From sleeping on floor to the podium: Mission accomplished for weightlifter Li
NAGOYA: Li Wenwen’s celebration of an Asian Games gold in the women’s +86kg weightlifting may have seemed a touch exuberant for a double Olympic champion, but the 26-year-old insisted it was a natural outpouring of joy after accomplishing her mission at the Nagoya-Aichi Games on Tuesday.
NAGOYA, Japan - Li Wenwen's exuberant celebration after clinching a gold medal in the women's +86kg weightlifting event at the Nagoya-Aichi Asian Games seemed out of place for an Olympic double champion. However, the 26-year-old athlete insisted her joy was natural, having achieved her goal at the Games. Li, who previously won the +87kg title in Tokyo and the +81kg gold in Paris, lifted a total of 310kg at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center, surpassing South Korea's Park Hye-jeong by over 10kg.
Known for her unusual habit of sleeping on the floor during competitions, Li was seen in tears upon hearing the results before exuberantly jumping onto the podium to receive her gold medal. "I have done a very good job today, I came here just for this medal," she said, beaming with pride. Li's competitive spirit was evident as she began her snatch attempt with a relatively low 132kg, eventually reaching 140kg, a new Games record.
Park's clean and jerk of 167kg was matched by Li, who effortlessly lifted 170kg to secure her victory. Despite her Olympic success, Li plans to rest for one or two days before further preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. She remains committed to her sleeping routine, stating that sleeping on the floor makes her feel safer.
Park, who previously won the +87kg gold in Hangzhou, found a silver lining in her performance, acknowledging her ability to lift more weight and feeling as though she had won a personal battle. Qatar's Ouisal Ikhlef secured the bronze medal.
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