Riyadh, Day 11: Photo Gallery
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Riyadh, Day 11: Liu’s strong finish gives China 102kg gold ahead of B Group Korean Jang
The Chinese anthem was played for a sixth time at the IWF World Championships after Liu Huanhua won an epic 102kg contest and went to the top of the Paris 2024 rankings. On an exciting evening there were junior world records for Garik Karapetyan from Armenia, an Olympic champion down in seventh place, and Liu was the only A Group lifter to overcome a phenomenal effort from the B Group by the Korean Jang Yeonhak, who posted a total of 399kg. Liu Huanhua (CHN) Two other B Group lifters made the top 10, along with the Colombian Jhonatan Rivas from the C Group. Jang made 182-217-399 to take bronze in snatch and clean and jerk, and silver on total behind Liu, who made 180-224-404. The only other man to have made 400kg in qualifying, Nurgissa Adiletuly from Kazakhstan, is out of the race after a doping violation. Jang Yeonhak (KOR) Liu, 22 last month, was making only his third international appearance. He has gone from making 381kg at 89kg in last year’s IWF World Championships to 385kg at 96kg in winning the Asian title in May to 404kg at 102kg tonight. “It was very exciting - I was watching from the seats and to be honest I thought I would win a snatch bronze and nothing more,” said Jang. Neither he nor anybody else expected so many red lights at the end of the A session. While the others failed, Liu made his last two clean and jerks. After four qualifying events, Liu is the only eligible lifter to have breached the 400kg barrier, largely because Karapetyan, his team-mate Samvel Gasparyan and the Individual Neutral Athlete Yauheni Tsikhantsou, from Belarus, all missed lifts five and six. Any one of those six attempts, if successful, would have registered a 400kg total. Tsikhantsou had won the snatch and finished 183-211-394 in third place, while Karapetyan set junior records in snatch and total on 183-210-393, finishing 1kg behind team-mate Samvel Gasparyan on 178-216-394. Reza Dehdar from Iran had been hitting big numbers in training but made only two good lifts, as did 96kg Olympic champion Meso Hassona from Qatar. Meso’s 170-218-388 earned a clean and jerk silver but the total was bettered by two B Group lifters, Jang and Irakli Chkheidze from Georgia on 175-216-391. Meso will be expected to go bigger when Qatar hosts the next qualifier in December. Don Opeloge (SAM) Don Opeloge from Samoa was one place behind Meso on 171-215-386, a career best and also the outstanding performance by an Oceania lifter at these Championships. “We have been training in Samoa since the lockdown,” said national coach Jerry Wallwork. “It’s been a great camp this year and we are not done yet. We expect better results in Doha at the IWF Grand Prix.” That means a busy three-week period in November and December for Opeloge, who will be “going all out in the Oceania Championships and Doha, and pushing for the 400 total mark”. Medallists and even world records from B Groups have been commonplace in Riyadh, where one of the winners came from the C Group. “I prefer lifting in B because it’s calmer, easier, you can control the timing,” said Jang. “The A Group can be rushed, too stressful.” Garik Karapetyan (ARM) His team-mate Jin Yunseong, who sat out this contest with a minor knee injury, is only 1kg below Jang in the long list so a place in Paris is far from certain for Jang. “We train together, push each other – it’s good,” he said. Egypt had its second winner in two days when Sara Samir outclassed the opposition in the women’s 76kg despite being below peak fitness and making only two lifts. Sara Samir (EGY) Samir, ranked second at 81kg for Paris 2024, dropped down to 76kg to claim her second world title on 108-138-246, her lowest total in more than five years. It was good enough for gold, adding to the success of Karim Abokahla in the men’s 96kg last night. Samir declined her remaining attempts after making her openers and left the platform in some discomfort, having suffered a back injury only a week ago. Hellen Escobar (COL) The battle for silver and bronze was fought out between Hellen Escobar from Colombia, Bella Paredes from Ecuador and Kim Suhyeon from Korea. All three contenders missed their final attempts, leaving Escobar second on 106-136-242 and Paredes third on 105-135-240. None of the medallists would have made the podium in the lighter 71kg Olympic category on Wednesday night with those numbers. Brian Oliver, Inside the Games Photos by Giorgio
Sara Samir (EGY): “It was quite an easy competition!”
At 25, Sara Samir is a hero in her country. In 2016, at the Rio Olympics, she became the first-ever woman from Egypt to win a Games’ medal (in any sport), the bronze in the 69kg, with a total of 255kg. Accessorily, she was also the first Arab woman to get a weightlifting medal in the greatest sports event on the planet. Since then, she continued medalling at weightlifting major rendezvous: after a silver at the 2018 IWF World Championships, she finally gets the supreme consecration – the gold – at the 2022 IWF showcase, where she lifted 261kg in the 76kg. Today, in Riyadh, in the same category, a very relaxed Samir did probably one of the most efficient competitions in her career. With high entries in both snatch and clean and jerk, she patiently awaited the developments of her closest contenders. The strategy paid off, with a first successful snatch at 108kg (gold), then withdrawal from the last two attempts, and exactly the same thing in the clean and jerk – one good first lift at 138kg (also the best of the field), and then nothing. In the end, a winning total of 246kg was largely sufficient for the overall title. “It was a very easy competition for me! All went well and I didn’t have to make so much effort to get the gold,” admitted a smiling Samir after the medal ceremony. “This second consecutive title is the best possible appetizer towards my qualification to the Olympic Games, next year in Paris,” continued the Egyptian star. Looking at the Olympic Qualification Ranking, Samir is the second best in the 81kg, the bodyweight category that is part of the Games’ programme. In Riyadh, this competition will take place this Friday, but her 268kg achieved at the 2023 African Championships should guarantee a ticket for the French rendezvous. Only Liang Xiaomei (CHN) is better, with a 275kg effort achieved at this year’s Asian Championships. “I have more competitions until Paris, namely the 2024 African Champs, but also the IWF World Cup in Thailand,” admitted the two-time world champion. Cautious when asked about predictions for the Games, she just confesses that all the “indications so far are very positive”. However, for the record, this was her worst total since 2018, when she still competed at junior level. Since then, she has always lifted more than 250kg. Sara Samir was brought to weightlifting by her father and older brother, both connected to the sport. She started competing in 2010 (at the age of 12), and her first international result was registered in 2012, at the African Junior Championships – at the time, she already got the gold in the 63kg, with a total of 215kg. Tomorrow, for the A session of the 81kg, she will be naturally attentive to the performance of her main rivals in the Olympic ranking: Liang, but also Solfrid Koanda (NOR, third in 266kg), Tamara Salazar (ECU, fourth in 265kg), Yudelina Mejia (DOM, eight in 252kg), Mattie Rogers (USA, ninth in 248kg), and Laura Nascimento Amaro, from Brazil, closing the top-10 at 247kg. By Pedro Adrega, IWF Communications Photos by Giorgio
IWF opens application procedure for the hiring of a CEO
The IWF is currently in the process of hiring a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its headquarters in Lausanne (SUI). Please find below the application details: The IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) is the recognised International Sports Federation for the Olympic Sport of Weightlifting. The IWF is responsible for the worldwide governance, development, marketing and administration of the sport of Weightlifting, and support of its 194 member Federations and continental Federations.The IWF headquarters are located in Lausanne (SUI), the Olympic Capital. The IWF is responsible for:- The promotion of the sport internationally;- Managing Weightlifting at the Olympic Games, and other major Games events;- The public image and marketing of the sport of Weightlifting worldwide;- Generating revenue for the support of the sport of Weightlifting;- Management and delivery of international Weightlifting events;- Education and capability expansion of National Federations, Continental Federations, Athletes, Coaches, and stakeholders; - The development of the sport around the world; and- Representing the Weightlifting athletes and stakeholders in all matters concerning the sport. The role of CEOThe role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is to lead and run the operations of the IWF, advise and support the Governance structure headed by the IWF Executive Board. This role constitutes an opportunity to be a key changemaker in sport. Role PurposeThe CEO will have responsibility for the operational leadership and management of the organisation. The CEO must understand the necessity of clean sport and integrity in all aspects of the Sport. Candidate profile- To be a dynamic and inspirational leader with the ability to engage, advise and collaborate with sport leaders from different backgrounds across the world;- To work collaboratively with elected leadership for the betterment of the sport of Weightlifting and the interests of the IWF;- To work collaboratively with the IWF Executive Board to execute the IWF Strategic Plan;- To work towards a goal of a world-leading reputation in fair play, athlete rights, athlete welfare and clean sport;- To identify and build relationships with key stakeholders of the IWF, including but not limited to the Athletes, Coaches, Member Federations, Continental Federations, IOC, WADA, ITA, Sponsors, media and other organisations;- To oversee and manage the operations of the IWF operational team in all respects;- To identify, propose and lead new revenue streams for the IWF to diversify away from Olympic revenue, particularly in order to ensure the long term financial strength of the organisation;- To identify, propose and lead operational procedures to ensure the strength of the IWF as an entity;- To identify, propose and lead methods of improvement for the IWF across all areas;- To identify, propose and lead methods of providing increased member service within the IWF;- To identify, propose and lead methods of providing increased visibility of the IWF;- To support IWF Members in their initiatives to grow and promote the sport;- To co-operate with and create strong relationships with Member National Authorities;- To lead and define the commercial strategy for IWF, in particular in identifying new opportunities in addition to the core relationship with the IOC;- To improve IWF’s visibility and value in the wider sporting community and to identify and engage with existing and potential partners and sponsors;- To provide leadership to ensure the goals and priorities of IWF are met and reach the agreed key performance indicators, ensuring that an appropriate financial strategy is in place to facilitate this;- To develop an efficient and effective organisation, ensuring resources are deployed appropriately and responsibilities are clearly defined;- To be responsible for carrying out annual performance assessment and career development reviews of the IWF staff;- To be responsible to the Board for the annual budgets and overall robust finances. Candidate requirements- 10+ years of experience in international sport, at an NOC, International Federation, International Sporting Body or other similar body; - Native-level proficiency in English;- Strong and demonstrated ability to raise diverse revenue sources;- Strong and demonstrated relationships with key sport stakeholders, including but not limited to the International Olympic Committee, International Testing Agency and World Anti-Doping Agency;- Strong and demonstrated ability to grow exposure, participation and media coverage in international sport;- Strong and demonstrated ability to manage staff in a positive environment;- Strong and demonstrated track record of ethical leadership, especially in the area of Anti-Doping;- Strong and demonstrated track record of management of financial matters, in the context of international sport;- Strong and demonstrated ability to manage a membership organisation and manage reputation within that membership. Additional desired qualifications:- Fluency in more than one language - French, Spanish, Russian and/or Arabic are specifically desired;- University degree;- Working knowledge of the sport of Weightlifting;- Existing residential location commutable to Lausanne (SUI);- Strong working knowledge of Swiss business practices;- Experience in developing anti-doping and anti-abuse practices;- Experience in working with a diverse group of cultures;- Experience in working with, and reporting to, an elected board of directors;- Experience in developing sport programmes, and sport modernisation. Reporting LinesThe CEO will report to the IWF Executive Board, with direct oversight provided by the President and General Secretary of the IWF. Candidates should send the following documents:- Letter of interest highlighting your motivation for the post and relevant experience- Curriculum vitae- Diplomas and certifications- Details of current remuneration- Names and contact details for three references How to ApplyPlease send the above-mentioned documents by no later than November 15, 2023 to the following e-mail address:
Riyadh, Day 10: Photo Gallery
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Riyadh, Day 10: Shake-up in Paris rankings after world records for China’s Liao and American Reeves
Liao Guifang bettered her own world record by 5kg to build a big lead at the top of the women’s 71kg rankings for Paris 2024, winning China’s fifth title at the IWF World Championships here. Liao, who set the total record at 268kg in her previous appearance at the Asian Championships in May, bettered it with her second clean and jerk. She then went up again to 153kg to improve her total once more and claim the clean and jerk record set by her team-mate Zhang Wangli five years ago. The 21-year-old finished on 120-153-273 despite failing with her first snatch, and is 12kg clear in the rankings from Angie Palacios from Ecuador, whose 117-138-255 was 6kg below her best effort in qualifying. Liao Guifang (CHN) Olivia Reeves from the United States also made a big move by claiming two junior world records with a superb six-from-six performance that earned her third place on total. “I didn’t have the best preparation for these Championships and never felt, ‘This is going to be it.’ “But it was. You’ve got to make the first to get the second, make the second to get the third… and I just kept making them. It was my first six-for-six in a year and a half.” Reeves, 20, made 111-142-253 to move 5kg ahead of team-mate Kate Vibert into fourth place in the Paris rankings behind Liao, Palacios and Loredana Toma from Romania, who weighed in here without lifting. The Americans, like the Chinese, have team-mates going head-to-head at the top end of the women’s Olympic categories. Olivia Reeves (USA) “We’re cursed and we’re blessed,” said the US director of coaching Mike Gattone. “We have two in each category fighting it out and you can see what it does. In Cuba (at the last qualifier) Kate did better and Olivia was crying, and this time it’s the other way around. They’re pushing the heck out of each other.” “There’s no animosity, though, said Reeves, whose world records were in clean and jerk and total. “Kate and I are friends and we get along, so does the whole team.” The biggest improver on past performance was Neama Said from Egypt, who was fourth on total on 246kg, ahead of Vibert by 2kg. That was 17kg up on her previous ranking total and moves her nine places from 14th to fifth. Angie Palacios (ECU) Amanda Schott from Brazil was clearly pleased with her 238kg that put her in the top 10, and another who had a good night was the Colombian Miyareth Mendoza. She did not have a total before today, and is now within 7kg of sixth-placed team-mate Mari Sanchez in the long list on 237kg. None of the 11 B Group athletes could catch the best C Group performer Chen Wen-huei from Chinese Taipei, who is ranked 11th for Paris after today’s sessions. For one B Group athlete, however, there was reason to celebrate. While two lifters left the platform in tears after missing all three clean and jerks, Eyglo Sturlodottir made all six attempts in posting the best numbers by an Icelandic woman in any weight category. Sturlodottir, who combines weightlifting with studying to be a doctor, was sick after arriving and felt unwell hours before lifting. “At weigh-in I thought ‘I’m in trouble here’, and I was so nervous I couldn’t eat anything at all. It was the worst I’ve ever been,” she said. “But when I was warming up I started to feel better and that was the best snatch, best clean and jerk and best total in history for Iceland. It was 5kg up on my best total. Eyglo Sturlodottir (ISL) with the President of the Icelandic Federation Helga Hakonardottir and coaches (Photo by Brian Oliver) “I’m going to Wagamama (the Japanese restaurant chain) in the mall now because we don’t have one in Iceland. Noodle soup, chicken – it’s going to be good.” Sturlodottir, who made 102-123-225, is performing so well that she may have to extend her studies beyond the standard six years so she can train more. By Brian Oliver, Inside the Games Photos by Giorgio
