Olympic weightlifting champion Shi hopes for Paris 2024

Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-22 22:23:47|Editor: huaxia

XI'AN, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- After finishing his final lift at the Tokyo Olympics, Chinese weightlifting gold medalist Shi Zhiyong let out a roar in relief, "Anyone else?"

This time at the 14th National Games, he did it again.

Shi, representing Zhejiang, broke national records in the snatch and total with 170kg and 365kg respectively, surpassing his own world records in the men's 73kg at the quadrennial Games on Wednesday.

Wei Yinting from Guangxi and Yuan Chengfei from Fujian placed second and third respectively, some way behind the victorious Shi.

After Tokyo, Shi only spent three weeks conducting systematic training, and thought winning gold at the National Games would be an incredible achievement.

"Actually I didn't feel that well today. But before the event, everybody willed me to break the record again, which pushed me to break through," he said.

After securing his title, Shi chose to increase the barbell weight to challenge the record, but had to give up on his last lift.

"I don't think I can continue to lift. I don't have the strength to lift 200kg, otherwise I would get injured," said the 27-year-old.

With the Paris Olympics three years away, Shi, in his fourth National Games appearance, is eager to feature on the biggest stage again.

"I want to fight for another three years to see if I can participate in Paris," he said.

"Every time I make an improvement by one kilogram, I feel very tired. I need to achieve some results so as to qualify for the next Olympics. It will require continuous effort."

Shi plans to challenge the next record at the Asian Games next year.

"In Hangzhou, there will be many people cheering for me, which will make me feel more motivated," Shi said. Enditem

KEY WORDS: Sports,Chinese National Games,Weightlifting
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