The first day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain featured exceptional performances, with Thiago Felix from Brazil winning silver in the men’s 55kg category, marking a historic achievement. Asian athletes excelled, filling five podium spots, including Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen, who took gold, and Zhao Jinhong from China, who set new world records in the women’s 45kg category.
The inaugural day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain showcased a remarkable display of athletic talent, particularly from Asian competitors who secured five out of six podium spots in total weightlifting events. Brazil’s Thiago Felix made history for his nation by winning a silver medal in the men’s 55kg category, marking Brazil’s first senior World Championships medal in weightlifting. Felix, who transitioned to the 55kg category after years of competing at 61kg, achieved a total lift of 269kg, highlighting his determination and strategic weight management.
Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen emerged victorious in the same category, lifting a total of 273kg and surpassing his previous performance by 14kg. Notably, Zhao Jinhong from China dominated the women’s 45kg division, breaking world records in clean and jerk and overall total on her first international outing at age 23. Despite the category’s impending discontinuation after this event, Zhao’s impressive lifts of 200kg cemented her status as a rising star in the sport. Ironically, while Zhao captured global attention, veteran United States competitor Cicely Kyle, aged 40, also made headlines by attempting records in Masters weightlifting, just narrowly missing out. The collective performances underscored the depth of talent present at the championships, forecasting an exciting competition ahead.
The 2024 IWF World Championships held in Bahrain marks a significant gathering of weightlifters from around the globe, showcasing their skills in various weight categories. The event serves both as a competitive arena and a stage for athletes to break records and set personal bests. Prior to the championships, there were changes in weight categories, impacting strategies for competitors. The overarching theme of the day noted the ascendancy of Asian athletes in international weightlifting, with their dominance highlighted by the achievements of the Chinese, Thai, and Brazilian weightlifters.
In conclusion, the first day of the 2024 IWF World Championships highlighted the tremendous achievements of athletes across multiple nations, particularly emphasizing the dominance of Asian competitors. Thiago Felix made a groundbreaking achievement for Brazil, securing a historic medal, while Zhao Jinhong’s record-setting performance showcased China’s strength in weightlifting. Overall, the event underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence and the emergence of new talents in the sport, setting an exciting precedent for the remainder of the championships.
Original Source: iwf.sport
