On Day 8 of the IWF World Championships in Bahrain, Kazakhstani lifter Artyom Antropov won gold in the men’s 102 kg category, marking Kazakhstan’s second consecutive victory. Spain earned its first-ever championship medal, courtesy of Marcos Ruiz. Chinese lifter Liao Guifang won the women’s 81 kg event, while Mongolian weightlifter Ankha Munkjantsan retired after her last competition. The event showcased strong performances and aspirations for record-breaking lifts among various competitors.
On the eighth day of the IWF World Championships in Bahrain, Artyom Antropov of Kazakhstan secured his second consecutive victory by triumphing in the men’s 102 kg category. With an impressive final lift, Antropov surpassed Meso Hassona of Qatar, who finished second. The event marked the first-ever World Championships medal for Spain, courtesy of Marcos Ruiz, who ranked third overall. The female 81 kg category saw China clinch victory, with Mongolia’s renowned cyclist taking the podium in her final competition.
Initially facing challenges during the competition, Antropov found himself in 12th place at the midpoint. However, his prowess in clean and jerk proved to be the turning point, as he, alongside Hassona, impressed the audience by completing five successful lifts, in contrast to the other athletes who collectively managed only 26. Antropov concluded his session with a final tally of 400kg, narrowly missing the clean and jerk world record held by China’s Liu Huanhua, which adds to his anticipation for competing against Liu at the upcoming Asian Championships in May.
Liao Guifang of China also showcased excellence in her category, finishing strong in the women’s 81 kg division with a total of 278 kg. She achieved this by completing all six lifts. Olympic medalist Sara Samir of Egypt ranked second with a total of 262 kg, while Kim Kyong Ryong from North Korea continued her country’s podium streak by securing third place. Notably, Mongolia’s prominent weightlifter, Ankha Munkjantsan, brought her career to a close with a farewell performance, retiring after a notable lifting career.
The competition saw several athletes aspiring for new junior world records, however, most attempts fell short with several lifters bombing out. A notable mention is Yekta Jamali, representing the Weightlifting Refugee Team, who improved her personal best by 6 kg, demonstrating her continued progress. Overall, the event not only showcased remarkable athletic prowess but was also marked by a mix of unfortunate setbacks for some competitors as they sought breakthroughs in their performances.
The IWF World Championships, held annually, is a prestigious event where weightlifters from around the globe compete for medals across various weight categories. This year, Bahrain is hosting the competition, which has drawn significant international attention, especially with notable athletes striving for both personal achievements and national glory. The championships traditionally serve as a platform for emerging talent, as well as a stage for seasoned lifters to showcase their skills and possibly set new world records. The event highlights national pride, particularly when countries secure historic firsts, such as Spain’s recent achievement. Athletes like Artyom Antropov and Liao Guifang not only aim for medals but also aspire to break existing records, further enriching the championship’s legacy. The competition also showcases the emotional narratives of athletes, such as Ankha Munkjantsan, who, after a long and illustrious career, bids farewell to the sport while striving to make significant impacts in their final appearances.
In conclusion, Day 8 of the IWF World Championships highlighted extraordinary individual performances, notably by Kazakhstan’s Artyom Antropov, who continued his nation’s winning streak. The event was historic, particularly for Spain and Kazakhstan, and marked the retirement of a prominent figure in Mongolian weightlifting. Additionally, the competition served as an opportunity for athletes to aim for new records while providing a platform for emerging talent and inspiring narratives. Overall, the championship continues to be a pivotal event in the world of weightlifting, celebrating athletic excellence on an international scale.
Original Source: iwf.sport
