The weightlifting scene is on fire currently as only one year is left until the 2024 Olympics. So, everyone is working hard to secure their spot in the most prestigious competition in the World. However, in order to get an invite, an athlete must be amongst the greatest on the globe, and Angie Palacios Dájomes just proved why she deserves to appear in Paris. Not only is she currently among the best weightlifters in the 71-kilogram weight class, but she also set a new 121-kilogram (266.9-pound) Snatch World Record.
Angie Palacios Dájomes took part in the 2023 IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) Grand Prix on June 14, in Havana, Cuba. She competed in the 71-kilogram weight class, emerging victorious overall and with a Snatch World Record.
Liao Guifang of China previously held the U71KG Snatch World Record. She set the record of 120 kilograms (264.6 pounds) at the 2023 Asian Weightlifting Championships on May 9th of this year. So, the record stood for just over one month.
Watch Angie’s Snatch here:
Related: Weightlifter Li Dayin (89KG) Scores New Snatch & Total World Records at 2023 Asian Championships
Angie Palacios Dájomes usually competed in the 64-kilogram weight class, but she transitioned to the 71-kilogram weight class just last at the 2022 Pan American Weightlifting Championships. It obviously did not take long for her to get accustomed, as she has already set a new Snatch World Record.
Angie Palacios Dájomes also set new competition PRs in all three events – Snatch, Clean & Jerk, and Total. So, the 2023 IWF Grand Prix is her greatest appearance yet.
Angie Palacios Dájomes’ Full Performance
- Snatch: 121 kilograms (266.9 pounds) — U71KG World Record & Competition PR
- Clean & Jerk: 140 kilograms (308.6 pounds) — Competition PR
- Total: 261 kilograms (575.4 pounds) — Competition PR
Angie Palacios Dájomes won the 2023 IWF Grand Prix quite easily, as her closest rivals Totaled almost 20 kilograms (44 pounds) less than her. Thus, Angie brought a gold medal back to Ecuador.
2023 IWF Grand Prix U71KG Podium
- Angie Palacios Dájomes — 261 kilograms (575.4 pounds)
- Siuzanna Valodzka — 242 kilograms (533.5 pounds)
- Olivia L. Reeves — 241 kilograms (531.3 pounds)
The 2023 IWF Grand Prix is Angie Palacios Dájomes’ second major victory in the 71-kilogram weight class. She already tasted success in 2022 at the Pan American Weightlifting Championships in Bogota, Colombia. However, it is important to note that Angie added 14 kilograms (30.9 pounds) to her Total since her win in 2022, displaying an incredible improvement in less than one year.
Watch Angie’s C&J from 2023 IWF Grand Prix here:
Although the 71-kilogram weight class is a relatively new addition to women’s weightlifting, it is becoming one of the most interesting divisions due to the likes of Angie Palacios Dájomes and Liao Guifang. It will also be insanely competitive at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, especially since Angie will now be fueled to keep improving.