Hou Zhihui had an incredible performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing another gold medal for Team China during the weightlifting segment. She was a part of the 49-kilogram weight class, which was the first women’s division to come out onto the stage. Hou was once again the standout athlete, setting a 117-kilogram (257.9-pound) Clean & Jerk Olympic Record and defending her title.
Hou Zhihui’s Full 2024 Paris Olympics Performance
Hou Zhihui came into the Paris Olympics as the defending champion, having won gold in Tokyo a few years ago as well. However, this time she faced a lot more trouble, beating the second-place finisher by just 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). Regardless, the only thing that matters is that Hou came out on top.
Snatch
Hou Zhihui definitely did not have the best start to her performance, missing her Snatch opener of 89 kilograms (196.2 pounds). Consequently, she decided to lift the same weight on the second attempt as well. Luckily, Hou was successful the second time around and had one attempt remaining.
Both Hou Zhihui and her fiercest rival, Mihaela Cambei, tried to snatch 93 kilograms (205 pounds) on their final attempt. Hou was unfortunately unsuccessful, while Mihaela managed to lock out the lift. So, going into the Clean & Jerk, Hou was 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) behind.
- Unsuccessful — 89 kilograms (196.2 pounds)
- 89 kilograms (196.2 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 93 kilograms (205 pounds)
Clean & Jerk
Hou Zhihui smoked 110 kilograms (242.5 pounds) on her first Clean & Jerk attempt, indicating that something massive was brewing. However, Michaela managed to build up to 112 kilograms (246.9 pounds) throughout her three attempts, meaning that in order for Hou to win, she had to break the Olympic Clean & Jerk Record.
Consequently, Hou Zhihui jumped up to 117 kilograms (257.9 pounds) for her second attempt. Unfortunately, the task was just too much for her at the time, meaning that she did not succeed in lifting it. On the other hand, she had one attempt remaining. Choosing to lift the same weight, Hou was under pressure. Not only did she need to set a new Olympic Record, but she would also lose her gold medal if unsuccessful. She thrived under pressure and made easy work of the lift.
- 110 kilograms (242.5 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 117 kilograms (257.9 pounds)
- 117 kilograms (257.9 pounds) — U49KG Olympic Record
Total — 206 kilograms (454.2 pounds)
2024 Paris Olympics — U49KG Weightlifting Podium
- Hou Zhihui (CHN): 206 kilograms (454.2 pounds)
- Michaela Cambei (ROU): 205 kilograms (451.9 pounds)
- Surodchana Khambao (THA): 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
Watch the Clean & Jerk here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@redsparks2023/video/7400659337003289889
Apart from being a two-time Olympic champion, Hou Zhihui has also won the 2018 World Championships, the 2019 IWF World Cup, and two Asian Championships. She holds all three Olympic Records and the Snatch World Record. So, having achieved all of this by the age of 27-years-old, there is likely still a lot to come from Hou in the future.
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