Jakarta (ANTARA) – Rizki Juniansyah made history for Indonesia by clinching gold in the men's 73kg weightlifting competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With a commanding total lift of 354kg, Juniansyah outperformed his competitors, finishing 8kg ahead of silver medalist Weeraphon Wichuma of Thailand.

Juniansyah overwhelmed with joy and pride, winning his first gold and making history for Indonesia, that's what Juniansyah shared with Olympics.com. "Thank you to all the Indonesians who cheered on from home."

The competition saw a dramatic twist during the clean-and-jerk segment. Juniansyah, who started the snatch with 155kg, faced fierce competition from Shi Zhiyong of China and Julio Mayora Pernia of Venezuela. However, both contenders faltered, failing to record valid lifts and exiting the medal race.

Juniansyah capitalized on this opportunity, successfully lifting 191kg on his first clean-and-jerk attempt. Despite challenges from Turk Muhammed Ozbek and Thailand's Wichuma, he remained in the lead.

The pressure mounted when Wichuma set a new mark by lifting 198kg, but Juniansyah responded with a powerful 199kg lift, setting a new Olympic record and securing the gold.

Rizki said that he might be young, but age is just a number, Juniansyah remarked. "It's about training and performing when it counts."

Thailand's Wichuma, though disappointed not to take gold, celebrated his unexpected silver medal, while Bulgaria's Bozhidar Dimitrov Andreev took bronze with a total of 344kg.

This victory adds to Indonesia's growing medal tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Veddriq Leonardo also took gold in men's sport climbing, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung earned bronze in women's badminton singles.

Rizki Juniansyah of Indonesia triumphed in the men's 73kg weightlifting competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing the gold medal with a total lift of 354kg. His victory, achieved with an 8kg lead over silver medalist Weeraphon Wichuma of Thailand, was marked by a dramatic turn of events. Key competitors, including Shi Zhiyong of China and Julio Mayora Pernia of Venezuela, were eliminated due to failed lifts in the clean-and-jerk segment.

Juniansyah capitalized on their errors, setting a new Olympic record with a 199kg lift and claiming Indonesia's second gold medal at the Games.

Lykkers, this historic win has undoubtedly inspired the next generation of Indonesian athletes.