Highlights from Day 1 of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain

The opening day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain saw Asia seizing five of six podium spots, with Brazil’s Thiago Felix winning a historic silver medal and China’s Zhao Jinhong setting two world records in the women’s 45 kg category. Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen secured gold in the men’s 55 kg, showcasing a remarkable display of athletic prowess among the competitors.

On the opening day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain, Asia dominated the podium, capturing five out of six positions, with notable achievements from athletes of China and Thailand. Brazil’s Thiago Felix made history by earning a silver medal at 55 kg, marking Brazil’s first senior World Championships medal in total. He led initially until Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen secured victory with significant lifts. Zhao Jinhong of China emerged as a standout competitor, setting two world records in the women’s 45 kg category, which will be dissolved next June. Each competitor’s performance was a testament to the intense preparations and strategies that have characterized their journeys leading up to this prestigious event.

Felix’s path to success involved dropping in weight category and fine-tuning his training regime, which paid off as he achieved six successful lifts. Despite competing in a highly competitive field that included representatives from powerhouse countries such as China and Thailand, he performed admirably, finishing with a total lift of 269 kg. Coach Dragos Doru Stanica applauded Felix’s decision to shift categories, emphasizing his suitability for the 55 kg weight class.

Zhao, making her international competition debut at age 23, excelled in her category by surpassing expectations and setting world records in clean and jerk as well as total weight lifted. Her performance highlighted a remarkable opportunity, given that this was the first and only time the 45 kg weight class would be contested at a World Championship.

The day also featured competitors like Cicely Kyle from the United States, who in her 40s narrowly missed breaking the American clean and jerk record. Her achievements exemplify the spirit of resilience and dedication that defines the athletes at the Championships. The event thus illustrated not only competitive spirit and achievement but also the evolving landscape of weightlifting categories and athletic prowess across diverse age ranges and national representations.

The 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain mark an important milestone for weightlifting, showcasing the sport’s growing global participation and the emergence of new athletes. With Asia leading the pack, this event highlights the changing dynamics of competition, especially considering the upcoming adjustments to weight categories effective from June 2024. The Championships set the stage for athletes to demonstrate their training, skill, and strategic adjustments while vying for medals and world records in this highly competitive framework.

In conclusion, the opening day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain showcased significant achievements from Asian athletes, who claimed the majority of podium placements and set new world records. Thiago Felix of Brazil notably made history with his silver medal in the 55 kg category, while Zhao Jinhong of China marked her debut with record-setting lifts in the women’s 45 kg category. These performances not only reflect individual excellence but also signify the evolving competitive landscape of the sport, as athletes navigate new weight divisions and overcoming challenges.

Original Source: iwf.sport