Guifang Liao is a contender for the title at any competition she appears in and the 2026 IWF World Wightlifting Championships were no exception. Competing in the women’s U86KG division on November 7th in Ningbo, China, Guifang put on a flawless performance to add another gold medal to Team China. By the end of the session, Guifang ranked first across all events, setting new World Records in both the Clean & Jerk and Total.
Guifang Liao’s Full Performance Overview
Guifang Liao turned 25 years old just one month before her appearance at the 2026 IWF World Weightlifting Championships, entering the competition in the prime of her career. She came in with a bodyweight of 85.35 kilograms (188.2 pounds), showing that she had a solid preparation for the competition. Finishing with a historic world-record total and a textbook 6-for-6 performance, Guifan achieved a convincing win against over 30 rivals.
Snatch
Guifang Liao had a great start to the competition, having opened up with an effortless lift at 122 kilograms (269 pounds). With that out of the way, she advanced to her second attempt, increasing the weight to 125 kilograms (275.6 pounds). Liao was once again successful, quickly getting the barbell above her head and reaching full lockout just moments later.
On her third attempt, Guifang Liao locked out 128 kilograms (282.2 pounds), capturing the Snatch gold medal. She needed to add 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) to break the World Record, but presumably decided to focus on winning the competition and avoiding any unnecessary risk.
- 122 kilograms (269 pounds)
- 125 kilograms (275.6 pounds)
- 128 kilograms (282.2 pounds)
Related: Karlos Nasar (U95KG) Sweeps Three World Records at 2026 IWF World Weightlifting Championships
Clean & Jerk
Having had a fantastic first event, Guifang Liao utilized the momentum to put up an even more impressive performance in the Clean & Jerk. She opened with a solid 155 kilograms (341.7 pounds) lift to virtually secure the overall crown. On her second attempt, she called for 162 kilograms (357.1 pounds), which solidified her spot at the top and tied the World Standard.
With gold sealed, Guifan Liao loaded 163 kilograms (359.4 pounds) on her final try, driving the weight overhead to break the Clean & Jerk World Record and elevate her Total World Record to 291 kilograms (641.5 pounds). That being said, she ended up beating the silver medalist, Alina Marushchak, by 19 kilograms (41.9 pounds).
- 155 kilograms (341.7 pounds)
- 162 kilograms (357.1 pounds)
- 163 kilograms (359.4 pounds) — U86KG IWF World Record
*No one held the previous U86KG IWF Clean & Jerk World Record, but the World Standard was set to 162 kilograms (357.1 pounds).
Total — 291 kilograms (641.5 pounds) — U86KG IWF World Record
*The World Standard for the Total in the U86KG weight class was set to 289 kilograms (637.1 pounds).
2026 IWF World Weightlifting Championships: Women’s U86KG Rankings
- Guifang Liao (CHN): 291 kilograms (641.5 pounds)
- Alina Marushchak (BHR): 272 kilograms (599.7 pounds)
- Yudelina MejÃa (DOM): 266 kilograms (586.4 pounds)
Prior to her triumph in Ningbo, Guifang Liao had established herself as a force in women’s weightlifting. She won the gold medal at the 2023 & 2024 World Weightlifting Championships, along with three titles from the Asian Championships. Liao is also known for her record-breaking performances, as she makes history anytime she steps onto the competition floor.
