Women: Colombia takes over
In the women’s 58kg, Li Xueying finally played what we call the "Chinese Game". In a standalone contest with the barbell, in six good and effortless lifts she defeated the runner up Thai, Chapok Natthaneeya and bronze-medallist Korean Yura Mun by round 20 kilos.
In contrast, the following two categories surprised with sweeping Colombian victories. Mercedes Perez dominated the 63kg, capturing her country’s 5th and 6th gold medals. She overtook her Chinese rival, Jiang Xia by 6 kilos overall. Armenian prodigy, this year’s European champion and junior world record holder Meline Daluzyan shone only in snatch, as she failed three times at 124kg in clean and jerk.
In the 69kg, 17-year old Leidy Yessenia Solis followed her compatriot’s example and won with an impressive 237kg total, five kilos ahead of Chinese Li Juan. The Colombian woman confirmed her nation’s position as the new superpower in women’s weightlifting.
