News

Exactly one year – this August 7 – since the curtain opened at the weightlifting competition on the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the IWF reflects on a truly exceptional competition at the South Paris Arena. 

China once again demonstrated its dominance in the sport in Paris, securing five gold medals in the ten medal events held across the Olympic competition. New record holders emerged too, including a world record set by Karlos Nasar (Bulgaria) in the men’s 89kg category, and Olympic records achieved by Luo Shifang (China, women’s 59kg) and Solfrid Koanda (Norway, women’s 81kg). 

Angie Palacios (ECU)

The USA enjoyed one of its most successful Olympic weightlifting campaigns in modern history. Hampton Morris, aged 20, won bronze in the men’s 61kg, becoming the first American man to win an Olympic weightlifting medal since 1984. Just two days later, Olivia Reeves, 21, became only the second American woman ever to win Olympic gold in the sport, topping the 71kg category. 

This marked the first time the USA secured medals in both men’s and women’s weightlifting at the same Olympic Games – a significant achievement and an encouraging sign for the country’s weightlifting programme. 

Lasha Talakhadze (GEO)

In the super-heavyweight category, Lasha Talakhadze (Georgia) reaffirmed his legendary status by claiming a third consecutive Olympic gold medal, further cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats. 

Weightlifting at Paris 2024 was memorable not only for performances but also for its commitment to clean sport. It was one of the very few Olympic sports in which every athlete was tested in the six months preceding the Games, reflecting the IWF’s clear commitment to ensuring fair and clean competition for weightlifting athletes.  

Mihaela Cambei (ROU)

In addition, athletes at Paris 2024 qualified through the IWF’s revised qualification system, widely praised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for ensuring enhanced in-competition testing and increased accountability throughout the pathway to Paris. 

The atmosphere at the South Paris Arena, driven by more than 5,000 enthusiastic spectators, was immense and a powerful showcase of the global appetite for weightlifting. Athletes remarked on how the crowd inspired their performances. 

Paris 2024 also set the stage for a strong future for weightlifting. Seven of the ten Olympic champions in Paris were aged 25 or younger, a significant increase from Tokyo 2020, where five of the 14 gold medallists were in that age category. This data demonstrates the exciting emergence of a new generation of elite athletes who are already making their mark on the international stage. 

Theerapong Silachai (THA)

With strengthened systems, a commitment to integrity, a whole host of young talent and continually growing global engagement, weightlifting is well-positioned for a strong future. As attention turns to the Olympic Games LA 2028, the IWF remains committed to ensuring that weightlifting continues to inspire. 

IWF Communications