WEIGHTLIFTING: Excellent results on Friday for the Australians with silver and bronze medals in both the women’s 58kg and 63kg events.
WEIGHTLIFTING: Excellent results on Friday for the Australians with silver and bronze medals in both the women’s 58kg and 63kg events.
In the 58kg event, which was rescheduled to 3pm on Friday, Oceania’s Mathlynn Robert-Sasser proved too strong with a total of 150kg to win gold.
In second and third place was Australians Sophie Cowen, with a total of 110kg and Alexandra Martin with a total of 84kg.
“It was pretty draining considering the [weather] conditions,” Cowen said. “I’m pretty happy but always need to improve and keep positive.”
Cowen’s coach, Mark Brown, said she had been training for 12 months prior to the event.
“Under the circumstances, this medal has capped off a great 2012 year and 2013 start for Sophie,” Brown said. “It’s vital now that she has a long break from competition and training.”
Brown said that the 15-year-old has her sights on the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“She has a big bright future ahead of her.”
In the Women’s 63kg, the Chinese athlete Wei Deng finished on top with an incredible 235kg total.
In silver position was Great Britain Olympian and British record holder Zoe Smith, with a total of 200kg.
“I gave it my all today and I’m really happy with my performance,” Smith said.
Third place was hotly contested between the Australian Rachel Goodman, Chinese Taipei’s Chuan To Lai and Oceania’s Ana Julia Timi.
Throughout the competition, these athletes were vying for the bronze medal and in the end; one point separated all three athletes.
Goodman snatched the bronze medal with a total of 147kg, followed by To Lai on 146kg and Timi on 145kg.
“I’m so happy – I really wanted the kangaroo,” Goodman said. “It’s not about winning, it’s about doing my best.”
Goodman complimented Deng’s strong performance.
“Her technique is close to perfection.”
Towards the end of the competition, an unfortunate incident occurred for Julia Ana Timi from Oceania. In Timi’s last attempt at an 85kg ‘Clean and Jerk’, the bar fell forwards injuring Timi in the process.
First aid officers were on scene immediately and the ambulance arrived soon after. Timi is badly bruised but recovering well.
Officials said it was necessary to take all precautions when it comes to injuries on the platform.
Mohamed Taha
Olympics.com.au
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