Liu Huanhua Leads China to Glory in Men's 102kg Weightlifting at Paris 2024

The Men's 102kg weightlifting event at the 2024 Paris Olympics was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the strength and determination of top athletes from around the globe. Held at the South Paris Arena 6 on August 10, 2024, the event saw fierce competition, but it was China's Liu Huanhua who emerged victorious with a total lift of 406 kg, securing the gold medal and making history for his country.

Liu, making his Olympic debut, entered the competition with a significant reputation, having already won two world championship medals in 2023 (gold) and 2022 (bronze). He also clinched gold at the 2022 Asian Games in the 109kg category and the 2023 Asian Championships in the 96kg category. His ambition was clear: to become China's first Olympic medalist in the over 100kg category since the change in weight classes.

The competition commenced with the weigh-in at 09:30 AM, followed by the lifting events that kicked off at 11:30 AM. Liu dominated the snatch phase, successfully lifting 178 kg on his first attempt, and then surpassing that with a 186 kg lift, ultimately setting the stage for his clean and jerk attempts. Liu's clean and jerk was equally impressive, with successful lifts of 220 kg and an ambitious final attempt of 225 kg, which he narrowly missed. Nevertheless, his total of 406 kg was enough to secure the top podium spot.

Uzbekistan's Akbar Djuraev, the defending Olympic champion from 2020, put up a strong fight, finishing with a total lift of 404 kg for the silver medal. Djuraev, who previously set records in the 109kg class, showcased his experience and skill but fell just short in this highly competitive weight class.

Belarusian Yauheni Tsikhantsou claimed the bronze medal with a total of 402 kg, proving his prowess with an early lift of 176 kg in the snatch and a steady performance in the clean and jerk.

Other notable participants included Garik Karapetyan from Armenia, who finished fourth with a total lift of 398 kg, and the USA's Wes Kitts, who secured eighth place with a total of 374 kg. The event also featured athletes from around the world, including competitors from Libya, Georgia, and the Refugee Olympic Team, each bringing their unique stories and backgrounds to the platform.

The officiating team, led by Jury President Olga Solovyeva from Kazakhstan, ensured the event proceeded smoothly, showcasing the professionalism and integrity of Olympic standards.

As the final medals were awarded and the national anthems played, Liu Huanhua's victory marked a significant moment not just for him, but for Chinese weightlifting as a whole, reigniting hopes for future Olympic success in the sport. The atmosphere in the South Paris Arena 6 was electric, with fans cheering for their favorites, making this event a memorable highlight of the Paris 2024 Olympics.