TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rizki Juniansyah clinched a gold medal for Indonesia in the 73-kilogram weightlifting competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Competing at the South Paris Arena 6 on Thursday, the Serang-born weightlifter triumphed with a total lift of 354 kilograms.

Although failing at the first attempt at a 155 kg snatch, Rizki successfully lifted 162 kilograms in his second try. However, he was 10 points behind Chinese rival Shi Zhiyong who could lift 165 kg.

Rizki’s fortunes turned in the clean and jerk. After lifting 191 kilograms, he secured gold with a final lift of 199 kilograms, bringing his total to 354 kilograms. This established the junior world record in the 73-kg clean and jerk, previously held at 198 kilograms.

He defeated Thailand’s Weeraphon Wichuma who claimed silver with a total lift of 346 kg and Bulgaria’s Bozhidar Andreev who earned bronze with 344 kg.

Rizki is one of three Indonesian weightlifters at the 2024 Paris Olympics, stepping into the spotlight after Eko Yuli Irawan’s unsuccessful bid in the men's 61-kilogram category. Nurul Akmal also represented Indonesia in the 81-kilogram class.

To date, Indonesia’s medal tally includes two golds: Rizki’s weightlifting gold and Veddriq Leonardo’s rock climbing gold. Additionally, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung secured a bronze in badminton.

YOHANES PASKALIS

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