China: Two More Golds in Weightlifting
by Randall J. Strossen, IronMind Enterprises, Inc. © 2000
(Sydney) The Chinese women's weightlifting team continued to flex its muscles at the Olympics today, winning gold medals in both the 63- and the 69-kg categories.
Starting the day's competition, Chen Xiaomin won the 63s with 112.5/130, missing 135 on her second attempt and then passing on her third. Valentina Popova (RUS) won the silver with 107.5/127.5 and Ioanna Chatziioannou (GRE) won the bronze with 97.5/125. Chen's snatch and total were new world and Olympic records.
Keeping the ball rolling, Lin Weining hit 110/132.5 for the gold in the 69s. Erzebet Markus (HUN) was good for the silver, with 112.5/130, with her 112.5 snatch setting new world and Olympic records. Karnam Malleswari (IND) got the bronze, with 110/130.