When the 2024 Weightlifting World Cup was in full swing in Phuket, Thailand, few could have predicted the feat of China's Liu Huanhua. Liu Huanhua not only won the gold medal with a 12kg advantage, but also broke two world records in the men's 102kg final with a total score of 413kg. Such results undoubtedly made him one of the brightest stars of this competition.
Liu's initial performance wasn't too impressive, and he finished fifth in the snatch. However, it was such a low-key start that laid the groundwork for his later counterattack. In the clean and jerk session, Liu Huanhua completely released his potential. He lifted a staggering 232 kilograms, a feat that not only brought him personal glory, but also set a new world record in weightlifting. This weight also helped him win the race with a total of 413 kilograms.
Behind Liu Huanhua, the entire Chinese men's weightlifting team is experiencing a fierce competition. With the implementation of new Olympic rules, which limit each country to send three men and three women, the Chinese team is feeling unprecedented pressure on their traditional strengths. Fortunately, the women's team was less stressed due to the North Korean team's failure to qualify for the Olympics. Liu's victory in Phuket all but assured him of his Olympic qualification. At other levels, the gold medal points of the Chinese team are gradually becoming clear. Li Fabin in the 61kg class and Liu Huanhua in the 102kg class are already seen as strong contenders for gold. The rivalry between Shi Zhiyong in the 73kg class and Li Dayin in the 89kg class will determine the ownership of the last precious Olympic quota place.
The Chinese weightlifting team is facing a key task: how to select the strongest squad to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics through fair competition. The current form and future performance of the players will be key to determining whether they can represent their country. At the 2024 Weightlifting World Cup, Liu's outstanding performance not only won him a gold medal, but more importantly, his world record in the clean and jerk event almost confirmed his place at the Paris Olympics. In the face of international competition and the pressure brought about by the new Olympic rules, the Chinese weightlifting team has shown their strength and determination, and is constantly preparing their strongest squad for the Olympic Games through fair and just selection.