At the 2023 World Weightlifting Championship, Vietnamese athletes dominated the podium in the men’s 55kg weight class, claiming all the gold and silver medals.
Lai Gia Thanh, leading the rankings in the snatch event (men’s 55kg category), lifted an impressive 123kg. In the clean and jerk discipline, he successfully lifted 146kg, maintaining his top position. Naturally, he clinched the gold medal in the overall category with a total lift of 269kg.
Lai Gia Thanh on the podium receiving the gold medal.
Trailing behind Lai Gia Thanh in all three rankings is his teammate, Ngo Son Dinh. He achieved lifts of 117kg in the snatch, 144kg in the clean and jerk, and a total of 261kg, securing three silver medals. The bronze medal in this weight class went to Nattawat Chomchuen from Thailand.
The World Weightlifting Championship took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 4 to September 17. This competition holds significance as it contributes to the qualification process for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Athletes are required to participate in the World Championship to be eligible for contention in next year’s Olympic Games.
However, despite their outstanding performances, Lai Gia Thanh and Ngo Son Dinh will not be able to compete in their favored 55kg weight class at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as this category is not included in the Olympic weightlifting program. Hence, despite their high achievements, the two athletes won’t be representing Vietnam in their respective weight class at the upcoming Olympics.
Van Lam