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Cali, Day 1: Rory van Ulft makes sensational international debut – two world records and a sweep of gold medals

Rory van Ulft won a gold medal with her first ever lift in international weightlifting and followed up with two more golds and two youth world records. “That was really fun – a new experience for me and plenty of good lifting,” said 13-year-old Rory after taking the 44kg title for Aruba on the first day of the IWF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia. “I enjoyed the medals ceremony too. I haven’t had anything like that before.” Rory started weightlifting aged six, originally as a way of trying to avoid injuries in gymnastics. “Then I found I was really good at it,” she said. When she was nine she became the youngest person ever to lift double body weight in a competition. Rory van Ulft (ARU) She is unbeaten in more than six years competing at local and national level in Canada, where she lives, the United States and Aruba. She is eligible to lift for Aruba – an autonomous country that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – through her dual Canadian-Dutch nationality. Two years ago her father, Cavan, decided Aruba was the best option and, with support from the national Weightlifting Federation and Olympic Committee, targeted Cali for the start of Rory’s career in elite weightlifting. Her eight rivals had finished when Rory came out for her first snatch on 67kg and immediately clinched gold in that discipline. After missing the next one she made 69kg, then successfully opened in clean and jerk on 88kg to take the world title and complete a sweep of golds. Rory’s next lift of 93kg gave her world records in clean and jerk and total. She might have improved those records after cleaning 95kg but failed to complete her final attempt. Mohammed Al Ojaian (KSA) Her 69-93-162 left Rory 19kg clear of the silver medallist Asel Senel from Turkiye on 66-77-143. Althea Bacaro from the Philippines was third on 60-80-140 and Mariana Asprilla from Colombia took snatch bronze on 61kg. Next up for Rory will be the Pan American Youth Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador in August. With school finished, she will also head to Ecuador for a holiday with her family this week, she said. There were youth world records in the two other sessions too, for Mohammed Al Ojaian from Saudi Arabia and, on a good day for her team, for Alexsandra Diaz from the Philippines – niece of the 2020 Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz. Alexsandra Diaz (PHI) Al Ojaian, third last year, bettered the snatch and total records on 114-139-253 to win at 56kg. He missed only one of his six attempts in posting his best total by 5kg. When Al Ojaian had finished, Jay Colonia from the Philippines was 9kg behind with two lifts to come. Colonia, youth world champion at 49kg in Lima last year, reduced the gap to 4kg and took clean and jerk gold but failed with his final attempt. Having weighed in lightest in a field of nine on 54.00kg, Colonia was second on 109-140-249. Christian Di Maria from Italy, second behind Colonia last year, took bronze despite making only his openers on 108-130-238. Women's 48kg podium Diaz, also a winner last year, was 11kg clear in the women’s 48kg. She broke records in clean and jerk and total on 77-98-175, failing only with her final attempt at 100kg. Adelina Lorint from Romania was second on 74-90-164 and Osorio Del Valle from Venezuela third on 71-91-162. Lorint’s team-mate Maia Andrei was third in snatch on 73kg. By Brian Oliver Photos by Giorgio

Salsa dance highlights Opening of Cali 2026!

The IWF World Youth Championships had a spectacular Opening Ceremony today, before the athletes start compete this Sunday in Cali, Colombia. The local authorities and the Organising Ceremony welcomed our youngest stars in this event, and offered a show mixing Colombian tradition, music, and recognition to prestigious local stars. The ceremony was presided by the IWF General Secretary José Quiñones – as President Mohammed Jalood was absent – and counted with the presence of IOC Member Nicole Hoevertsz. In a video message, Mr Jalood expressed his confidence on a “superb organisation of the Championships” and expressed “IWF’s gratitude for the continued work and support of the Colombian authorities, and the sincere congratulations for the excellent result of the country’s lifters in major international competitions”. William Peña (left), President of the Colombian Weightlifting Federation The first speech among those present was delivered by William Peña, President of the Colombian Weightlifting Federation. “I welcome all delegations and athletes to Cali, and to Colombia! I am sure you will live a memorable experience here, as we have done everything possible for you to feel at home,” declared the man already responsible for the organisation of the 2022 IWF World Championships, in the capital of the country, Bogota. IWF General Secretary José Quiñones after awarding the IWF Collar to IOC Member Nicole Hoevertsz Nicole Hoevertsz, a former synchronised swimmer representing Aruba, was quite happy to be back to Cali. “I used to come often here as an athlete to train. At that time, this city was also a reference in my sport,” recalled the 2021-2026 IOC Vice-President. “These Championships have a great importance, as it ensures a new generation of athletes will shine at the highest level. To the young lifters taking part in this event: compete with fair-play, and honour the immense sacrifice you endured to reach this level. At the same time, don’t forget to make friends: that’s the beauty of Sport!” she considered. Oscar Figueroa and Maria Isabel Urrutia, Olympic champions for Colombia José Quiñones concluded the official speeches by also urging the weightlifting community to “preserve our sport clean, transparent and inclusive”. Those are essential attributes of a “traditional Sport that wants to remain an essential player in the Olympic Movement. Weightlifting knows to honour the Olympic principles, and you all play an important role in keeping the integrity of our Sport”. After declaring the Championships open, Mr Quiñones awarded Ms Hoevertsz with the IOC Collar, the highest IWF recognition, for her services and support to Weightlifting. On the platform, former Olympic champions for Colombia, Oscar Figueroa and Maria Isabel Urrutia, were also distinguished by the Colombian Weightlifting Federation. The last part of the ceremony was a very spectacular dance show, performed by the group Swing Latino, several times consecrated world champions of salsa. With music, joy and a vibrant atmosphere, the IWF World Youth Championships (July 5-11) could not have started in a more positive manner. IWF Communications Photos by Giorgio

Cali, Preview: ‘A world record would be cool’ – Rory van Ulft, 13, aims to give fans something to cheer on debut 

The first session of the IWF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia on Sunday is highly likely to draw more attention than the 21 that follow over seven days of competition. The reason is the presence of a 13-year-old girl who has nearly half a million followers on social media. Rory van Ulft, a dual national who lives in Canada and will compete for Aruba, has built her huge following with a series of remarkable pre-teen achievements, one of which was becoming the youngest person ever to lift double their own bodyweight. She was nine years and 350 days when she clean and jerked 66kg weighing 32.8kg at a local competition in Ontario in 2022. Rory is unbeaten in six years at local and national competitions in Canada, the United States and Aruba. She is capable of beating youth world records – as she has shown when too young to lift in IWF competitions – and was watched by millions when she performed a gymnastics and weightlifting routine on the TV show Canada’s Got Talent. Rory van Ulft (ARU) Until now, Rory has not appeared on the international stage. She was 13 in February and is excited about making the longest journey of her short but eventful life – more than 4,500km from Ottawa to Cali – for her international debut. “I want a world record – that would be really cool. I know I’m capable of it, especially in clean and jerk,” said Rory, who has the highest entry total in her 44kg category. The numbers to aim for are 73-93-162, and her best efforts in training would be enough in snatch, clean and jerk and total. Rory’s parents, Cavan van Ulft and Lindsay Noad, will be there along with her younger brother Ari and coach Spencer Moorman. Moorman, a double US national champion who started weightlifting aged eight, retired as an athlete about 10 years ago and focused on coaching in California. He has spent a lot of time working with youngsters, and moved to Ottawa around the time Rory started training. “When I first met Rory it was clear she had a remarkable ability to take in information and great jumping ability, which is a good sign for weightlifting. But nobody had any real idea about her strength,” he said. Rory said, “I started so young I can’t remember not doing it. When I began competitive gymnastics (age five) my parents did some research to see what was the best way of preventing injuries and decided on weightlifting training. I turned out to be really good at it.” Both her parents had never seen weightlifting. When they realised their daughter was special, Cavan came up with the idea of Rory representing Aruba. Ivy Buzinhani Brustello (CAN) “As a Dutch citizen living in Canada, I was always aware that I was eligible for Aruba, which was part of Netherlands Antilles when I was a kid - not that I had any sporting talent! So I knew it was always a possibility for Rory.” He contacted Hugo Themen, the Aruba federation president, in February 2024 after Rory lifted above an IWF youth world record in competition for the first time. She has since been to Aruba several times for a try-out, training, national competitions and to be kitted out in an Aruba costume. Rory is fashion-conscious. She has what she calls “the best-looking singlets on the planet right now” made for her, and likes to ‘wear’ removable tattoos of animals, flowers and skulls.  Behind the phenomenally strong weightlifter is a normal young girl who likes playing outside, drawing, painting, building Lego, reading, watching TV, making craft jewellery and playing video games with Ari. “I spend a lot of time reminding her that she’s still a kid, that she still needs to have fun, to go out and play,” Lindsay said in an earlier interview. “That’s my job as a mum.” The message resonates with Rory. Asked about her future she said, “I can’t think a long time ahead but I do want to go to the Olympics and win. The most important thing is still to be having fun.” Coincidentally the last person to beat Rory in a competition, when she was six years old, will be in Cali. Ivy Buzinhani Brustello, who lifts for Canada at 48kg, is now 16. When she won at 40kg at the 2023 World Youths in Albania, Ivy became the youngest ever world champion at 12 years 264 days. While Aruba is hoping for its first world champion, nations from the Arab world could collectively win a big haul of gold medals. Ali Abdelradi (EGY) Egypt has five athletes at the top of the entries, including Ali Abdelradi, who set a sweep of youth world records when fifth at the World Juniors in his home country in May. Sadek Mahmoud is favourite in the men’s 65kg, and the women with a big chance are Basma Ramadan at 53kg, Yasmine Mohamed at 58kg and Roshdy Farouk at 69kg. Mohammed Al Ojaian from Saudi Arabia, second last year, tops the entries at 56kg, as do Mousa Khudhair from Iraq at 94kg – from a strong weightlifting family – and the super-heavyweight Fares Ahmed Gaber from Qatar. The Asian Youth Games champion Nurzhan Zhumabay from Kazakhstan is a strong contender at 88kg. By Brian

IWF Executive Board confirms eligibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes for all IWF events

The IWF Executive Board has decided that, effective immediately, athletes from Russia and Belarus in all age groups are eligible to participate in IWF competitions. The decision follows the recent recommendations of the IOC regarding the principles of neutrality in sport and the importance of providing athletes with fair opportunities to compete at the highest international level. Earlier this year, participation restrictions had been lifted for youth and junior age-group weightlifters from Russia and Belarus. With today's decision, the same framework is extended across all age categories, allowing athletes of every age group to compete in IWF events in accordance with the applicable eligibility criteria and requirements. The IWF remains committed to promoting fair competition, safeguarding the integrity of the sport, and ensuring that athletes have the opportunity to compete in an environment that respects the principles of neutrality, inclusion, and

IWF leadership strengthens cooperation with IOC during productive week in Lausanne

The IWF President Mohammed Jalood and IWF General Secretary Jose Quiñones concluded a highly productive visit to Lausanne this week, where they participated in a series of important meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and attended the IOC Session held on Wednesday and Thursday in the Olympic capital. The IOC Session marked a significant moment for the Olympic Movement, with a number of important decisions taken for its future and, above all, for the benefit and interests of athletes around the world. IWF President Mohammed Jalood at the IOC Session During their stay in Lausanne, the IWF leadership held valuable working meetings at the Olympic House with representatives of several IOC departments, including the Sports Department and the Olympic Solidarity Programme. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two organisations and identifying new opportunities to work together in support of athletes and the continued development of weightlifting within the Olympic Movement. Mr. Jalood and Mr. Quiñones also attended the special Olympic Day celebration held on Tuesday evening at the Olympic Museum. The event brought together representatives of numerous International Federations and members of the Olympic family who had gathered in Lausanne for the IOC Session, providing an opportunity to celebrate the values of Olympism and reinforce the spirit of unity across the global sporting community. IWF President Mohammed Jalood and IWF General Secretary José Quiñones with Sheila Stephens Desbans, from the Olympic Solidarity Division, at the Olympic House Reflecting on the week's activities, IWF President Mohammed Jalood expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of both the IOC Session and the meetings held throughout the visit: "This has been an extremely positive and productive week for the Olympic Movement. The IOC Session delivered important decisions that will help shape the future of our Movement while always keeping the interests of athletes at the centre. Under the efficient and strong leadership of IOC President Mrs. Kirsty Coventry, the Olympic Movement leaves Lausanne stronger, more united and well prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead." Mr. Jalood also highlighted the importance of the IWF's discussions with the IOC: "Our meetings at the Olympic House with several IOC departments were very fruitful and highly constructive. They have further strengthened the excellent relationship between the IOC and the International Weightlifting Federation and have opened very positive perspectives for even closer cooperation in the future. We are fully committed to working together in pursuit of our common objectives for the benefit of our athletes and the continued success of the Olympic Movement." The visit reaffirmed the IWF's commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the IOC and contributing actively to the continued development of the Olympic Movement through good governance, athlete-focused initiatives and the promotion of weightlifting worldwide.

IWF celebrates Olympic Day 2026

Weightlifting is a sport of patience and progress. Behind every successful lift are many that came before it - attempts that fell short, were reset and tried again. Improvement comes gradually, through consistent effort over months and years. More than almost anything else, the sport rewards persistence. That makes it well suited to the spirit of Olympic Day, whose theme this year is Let's Move, carrying the message You Can Do This. The message is an encouragement to begin and to keep going. Feeling uncertain at the start is normal, and it need not stand in the way of taking the first step. Weightlifting is also one of the most accessible sports to begin. Every lifter, from first-time participant to Olympic champion, starts in the same way: with a weight and the willingness to learn the movement. The sport requires no special background and places no barrier on who can take part, which is part of what gives it such broad global reach. Widening that reach is central to the work of the IWF. Its Development Programme supports national federations through coaching, equipment and technical expertise. The IWF also has a Refugee Team, first launched in 2023, giving displaced athletes the opportunity to compete internationally. Around the world, people take up weightlifting for many different reasons - for competition, for general fitness and health, or simply for the satisfaction of growing stronger over time. Much of the sport's appeal lies in how much it can offer to anyone willing to try it, whatever their goal. As IWF President Mohammed Jalood notes: “Weightlifting changes lives. It teaches patience, rewards persistence, and shows people they are capable of more than they imagined. That lesson belongs to everyone who picks up a weight - not only our Olympians, but every person training in a gym anywhere in the world.” The sport's highest stage remains ahead. Weightlifting will feature at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, where the world's leading lifters will compete at the pinnacle of the sport. Yet the foundations of that achievement are laid far from the Olympic arena - in training halls and community gyms, through the daily commitment of athletes, coaches and volunteers. On Olympic Day, the weightlifting community recognises all of them. IWF