Long Qingquan, the young dragon flies high

Seventeen-year-old Long Qingquan of China became the new Olympic champion of the Men's Weightlifting 56 kilogram class after lifting a total weight of 292kg on August 10.

The competition favorite, Cha Kum Chol of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, missed his first two attempts in the Snatch trying to lift 128kg. He finally succeeded after the last attempt, but already trailed behind Eko Yuli Irawan of Indonesia who lifted 130kg after three attempts.

Vietnam's Hoang Anh Tuan had the best start of the day, lifting 126kg right after stepping on the floor. However, it took him two attempts to achieve the same result as Irawan, 130kg.


The final was destined to be the show of 17-year old Chinese wonder kid Long Qingquan. Long was the only lifter who didn't stumble at 130kg. After three attempts, he lifted 132kg which was the new junior world record for the Snatch.