Historic Medals and Records at Day 1 of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain
The first day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain featured historic performances, with China and Thailand securing golds. Brazil’s Thiago Felix won a silver, marking his nation’s first senior Worlds medal. China’s Zhao Jinhong set world records in the women’s 45 kg category, which will be eliminated next year. Five Asian athletes filled six podium spots overall, demonstrating the region’s dominance in the sport.
The 2024 IWF World Championships commenced in Bahrain with notable achievements from Asian athletes, who claimed five out of six podium spots on the inaugural day. Brazil’s Thiago Felix distinguished himself by securing a silver medal in the 55 kg category, marking the nation’s first-ever senior Worlds medal in this discipline. Thailand clinched gold through Natthawat Chomchuen, who improved his total by 14 kg from the previous year, while China’s newcomer Zhao Jinhong made history by dominating the newly contested 45 kg female category with two world records.
Natthawat Chomchuen’s triumph involved a successful total of 273 kg, demonstrating remarkable performance despite competition from seasoned international athletes. In contrast, Zhao Jinhong’s significant feat in the women’s 45 kg category included surpassing established limits with her record-setting lifts of 200 kg in total, although the category is set to be retired from the upcoming year. Zhao’s debut on the world stage highlighted the quality of competitors in Asian weightlifting while showcasing China’s commitment to fierce competition in historically non-Olympic weight classes.
Moreover, notable performances were observed from various athletes, including Fernando Agad from the Philippines, who finished third in the 55kg category, alongside commendable efforts from other competitors despite two from Vietnam failing to register a total. Thiago Felix’s rise was underscored by his impressive transition to the 55 kg category after previously competing at 61 kg, earning accolades from Brazilian coach Dragos Doru Stanica for his strategic and dedicated training regimen. Additionally, the oldest competitor, Cicely Kyle from the United States, narrowly missed achieving her own world records, exemplifying perseverance in competitive weightlifting.
The 2024 IWF World Championships represent a significant event in the global weightlifting calendar, showcasing elite athletes from various nations. This year’s championship is particularly noteworthy as it features changes in weight categories, leading to the introduction of new classes and the discontinuation of others. For instance, the women’s 45 kg category will be eliminated in the future, thus making Zhao Jinhong’s achievements remarkable, as they may not be replicated in this division again. The championships take place against a backdrop of increasing competitiveness within Asian nations, particularly China and Thailand, which often produce medal-winning performances due to rigorous training methods and a robust sports infrastructure.
In conclusion, the opening day of the 2024 IWF World Championships in Bahrain saw remarkable achievements, especially from Asian athletes who dominated the podiums in various categories. Thiago Felix’s breakthrough moment marked a historic achievement for Brazil, while Zhao Jinhong’s record-setting lifts showcased emerging talent from China. The event not only highlighted the evolving landscape of international weightlifting but also set the stage for continued competition and the pursuit of excellence among athletes globally.
Original Source: beta.iwf.sport
