Paris 2024 Stars to Watch: Reeves, Charron, and More
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Another star from Paris 2024 to keep an eye on is Team USA superstar Olivia reeves, who also wrapped her year as Olympic and world gold medallist. The reigning world record holder in the 69kg moves up to the 77kg where she faces the reigning world champion in the 76kg, Sara Ahmed of Egypt.
Five reigning world champions from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – Song Gum Ri (48kg),Kang Hyon-gyong (53kg),Song kuk Hyang (69kg),world record holders II Gyong Kim (58kg),and Ri Suk (63kg) – are also set to thrill at their sport’s biggest event of the year. Hsing-chin Kuo, the Chinese Taipei Olympic champion, returns to the world podium seeking to bag her sixth world title after missing Manama.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist maude Charron from Canada is also back lifting big, following her comeback win at the Commonwealth championships in India earlier this month.
She’s listed in the 63kg, and the worlds could be a good test as she ponders her future in the lead up to LA 2028.
“I took a month off and after that it was not easy to stay motivated. It’s still not easy. I felt like I didn’t have the sense of purpose that I had when I was going for Paris. I need something more personally motivating than being the first Canadian going three times to the Olympics,” the Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist told iwf.sport.
2025 World Weightlifting Championships Preview: Schedule, Athletes to Watch, and how to Stream
The 2025 World Weightlifting Championships are set to take place in Førde, Norway, promising a thrilling display of strength and technique. This competition will be a key event for athletes aiming to qualify for and prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Here’s a extensive preview, including the schedule, athletes to watch, and how to follow the action live.
Event Schedule & Location
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) is hosting the championships, wich will run from September 29th to October 5th, 2025. Detailed schedules, including session times and specific weight categories, are available on the IWF website.
Athletes to Watch
The championships boast a stellar lineup of world-class weightlifters, including reigning Olympic and World Champions. Here’s a look at some of the key athletes to watch:
* karlos nasar (Bulgaria): The Bulgarian world record holder is a strong favorite in the 94kg category. Nasar had a dominant 2024, securing gold at both the Olympics and the World Championships, and is expected to defend his title. IWF
* Ruslan Nurudinov (Uzbekistan): An established force in the sport, Nurudinov, the Uzbek hero, will be defending his title after improving his own clean and jerk world record in Manama in 2023. IWF
* Fares Ibrahim ElBakh (Qatar): The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist in the 96kg category (now competing in the 94kg) adds significant competition to the men’s lineup. Olympics.com
* Rahmat Erwin Abdullah (Indonesia): Competing in the 76kg category, Abdullah will face off against his teammate and reigning Olympic champion.
* Juniansyah (Indonesia): The Olympic gold medalist in the 73kg category (now competing in the 76kg) will be a formidable opponent for his Indonesian teammate.
* Varazdat Lalayan (Armenia): The Paris 2024 silver medalist in the superheavyweight category (+109kg) has a clearer path to gold with the absence of Lasha Talakhadze, the Olympic champion. Olympics.com
* Tendry Tsiky mahay tia Rakotonoely (Madagascar): at just 15 years old, Rakotonoely will be making her senior debut, representing a rising talent in the sport.
* Mohammad Alotaibi (Kuwait): Another 15-year-old, Alotaibi will compete in the men’s 60kg category, showcasing the emergence of young athletes in weightlifting.
How to Stream the Event Live
Details regarding live streaming and broadcast coverage will be announced closer to the event. Keep an eye on the IWF website and official IWF social media channels for updates on where and how to watch the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships. Many IWF events are also streamed live on the IWF’s YouTube channel.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
The 2025 World Weightlifting Championships are crucial for athletes seeking to secure qualification points for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The competition will provide a valuable possibility to assess current form and strategize for future success.