Weightlifting off to a strong start
The Women’s 48 kilogram and Men’s 56 kilogram weight classes group A will both compete for medals today.
Women’s 48 kg
The line up looks strong however Turkish Olympic, World and six times European champion Nurcan Taylan announced not to start. Massive Turkish media group arrived to Paris to report specially on her is very disappointed about last minute decision to withdraw due to her small knee injury. She cannot defend her World Championships title.
China’s Youth Olympic Games winner Tian Yuan may have a shot at the gold medal. She finished third a year ago in Antalya and won Asian Championships and IWF Grand Prix this year.Lifters from Moldova and Poland will bid for medals. Christina Iovu junior European Champion returns to 48 category after several visits to 53 kg this year. Polish Karpinska won European U 23 Championships in Bucharest and ready to continue her succesful saeson (53 kg).
The most experienced in the field is Italian Genny Caterina Pagliaro who became a professional soldier in Italian Army after signing a 4 years contract.
Men’s 56 kg
Chinese Wu Jingbiao is ready to defend his World Championships title won in Antalya. After winning IWF Grand Prix and Asian Championships in China this year he must display his capacity outside his home land.
Another possible medalist is his compatriot Zhao Chaojun an absolute newcomer given a chance to participate at World Championships at 23.
The Chinese tandem is challenged by Khalil El Maoui junior World Champion of 2008 who has Olympic experience as well.
