Paris: In a heart-wrenching finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, India’s star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu missed out on a podium spot by just one kilogram in the women’s 49kg weightlifting final on Thursday IST.
Chanu, a silver medallist from Tokyo 2020, finished fourth with a total lift of 199kg. Mirabai Chanu successfully lifted 88kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk. Despite her best efforts, her final attempt to lift 114kg in the clean and jerk, which would have secured her a medal, was unsuccessful.
The gold medal was claimed by the People’s Republic of China’s Hou Zhihui, who not only defended her title but also set a new Olympic record with a clean and jerk lift of 117kg, totaling 206kg.
Mihaela Valentina Cambei of Romania won the silver medal with a total of 205kg, while Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao took home the bronze with a lift of 200kg.Chanu’s performance saw her make a strong start, lifting 85kg in her first snatch attempt and successfully hoisting 88kg on her third attempt, which matched her personal best.
In the clean and jerk, she managed 111kg on her second attempt but fell short on her final lift of 114kg.Despite the disappointment, Mirabai Chanu’s journey at the Paris Olympics has been nothing short of inspiring. As she turns 30 tomorrow, her dedication and perseverance continue to make her a role model for aspiring athletes in India and around the world.
The final standings saw Mirabai narrowly edged out of the top three, but her efforts have once again showcased her as one of the leading figures in weightlifting. As India cheers for Mirabai Chanu, her indomitable spirit and achievements continue to inspire a new generation of weightlifters.
