Get ready to cheer, sports fans! 🏋️♂️ China's legendary weightlifter Shi Zhiyong is gearing up to chase his third Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Summer Games, starting July 26th. The 30-year-old powerhouse is no stranger to the podium, but this time, he's facing some serious challenges.
Back at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Shi amazed the world by breaking the world record and clinching the gold in the men's 73kg category. Remember when he shouted, \"Who wants to challenge me!\" with that unbeatable confidence? 😤 But behind that triumphant yell, he was battling injuries that few knew about.
As the years have passed, those injuries have been catching up with him. They've interrupted his training and kept him out of many international competitions. It's been a tough ride, and the competition isn't getting any easier.
In a surprising turn at the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, Shi lost his men's 73kg title to Indonesia's Rizki Juniansyah. Not only that, but Juniansyah also shattered Shi's world record total of 364kg! Talk about a plot twist! 😱
But if there's one thing we know about Shi Zhiyong, it's that he's got the heart of a champion. Despite the hurdles, he's set his sights on Paris and is ready to give it everything he's got. Will he reclaim his throne and make history with a third Olympic gold? The countdown is on! ⏳
Reference(s):
China's Shi Zhiyong goes for 3rd weightlifting gold at Paris 2024
cgtn.com
