The 2023 Asian Weightlifting Championships are taking place in Jinju, South Korea, from May 5-13. As everyone in the sport knows, the majority of weightlifting’s greatest forces are based in the Asian region. Thus, it was not a surprise when China’s Liao Guifang walked out on the stage and set two new World Records in the 71-kilogram weight class.
Liao Guifang put up a remarkable performance at the 2023 Asian Weightlifting Championships, and she peaked in the Snatch event. Her final and heaviest attempt came out to 120 kilograms (264.6 pounds), which was enough for a new World Record. However, Liao did not show any emotion after claiming the record, proving that she was confident of breaking it from the start.
The previous World Record in the Snatch was held by Loredana Toma, who lifted 119 kilograms (262.4 pounds) at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships.
Watch the snatch here:
The other event of the 2023 Asian Weightlifting Championships was the Clean & Jerk. Liao Guifang put up another great performance, but she only completed two attempts. After successfully locking out 148 kilograms (326.3 pounds) on her second attempt, Liao decided to scratch her final attempt.
After adding a 120-kilogram (264.6-pound) Snatch and a 148-kilogram (326.3-pound) Clean & Jerk, Liao Guifang’s Total came out to 268 kilograms (590.8 pounds). This is also a new World Record in the 71-kilogram weight class.
The previous Total World Record was held by Zhang Wangli, who accumulated 267 kilograms (588.6 pounds) at the 2018 World Weightlifting Championships.
Liao Guifang’s Full Performance
- Snatch: 120 kilograms (264.6 pounds) — U71KG World Record
- Clean & Jerk: 148 kilograms (326.3 pounds)
- Total: 268 kilograms (590.8 pounds) — U71KG World Record
2023 Asian Weightlifting Championships U71KG Results
- Liao Guifang — 268 kilograms (590.8 pounds)
- Vanessa Sarno — 239 kilograms (526.9 pounds)
- Chen Wen-huei — 232 kilograms (511.5 pounds)
Related: Weightlifter Mattie Rogers (76KG) Claims Three Silver Medals At The 2022 World Championships
All the World Records in the 71-kilogram weight class now belong to Chinese athletes. Liao Guifang holds the Snatch and Total records, while Zhang Wangli holds the Clean & Jerk World Records. This proves that China is still the most dominant country in weightlifting.
Liao Guifang has done a lot for her country, but even more for herself. She now tops the Paris 2024 rankings, making it evident that her chances for an appearance at the Olympics are large. The 21-year-old Liao will also continue working hard and preparing for her next competition. So, she will keep improving the records for years to come.