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Zhang lifts China to four Weightlifting golds



Zhang Xiangxiang on the podium (Photo credit: Getty Images)


(BEIJING, August 11) -- Zhang Xiangxiang won his first Olympic gold medal after lifting 319kg in the Men's 62 kilogram Weightlifting final on August 11. This was the second weightlifting gold medal won by China on that day, as well as their fourth Weightlifting gold medal in the tournament.

Zhang Xiangxiang in the match

Twenty-five-year old Sydney bronze medalist Zhang had the best start by lifting 139kg in the Snatch. Although he failed to lift 143kg with his second attempt, he finally succeeded and topped the other finalists in this round. Ji Hun-min of the Republic of Korea also did well with a 142kg lift after three attempts. Diego Salazar of Colombia and Im Yong-su of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea tied at 138kg.

Zhang Xiangxiang kisses the weight disk. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Zhang's chance of winning the gold was settled even before stepping onto the floor in the Clean and Jerk. First the ROK's Ji surprisingly failed all three attempts trying to lift 161kg and left the competition with no medal. Then the DPRK's Im also stumbled under the pressure, spending all his attempts at 169kg to no avail. Salazar took his chance and succeeded in lifting 167kg after three attempts for the silver medal. Zhang then lifted 169kg and then 176kg to seal his first gold, China's fourth of the Weightlifting competition.
Zhang also tried to break the world record with a final attempt of 184kg. Though he failed, his 319kg total weight fulfilled his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. He kissed the weight discs and took time to enjoy the crowd's cheers before waving farewell.

The medalists

Indonesia's Triyatno earned the bronze with a total weight of 298kg.