Hsu Shu-Ching of Chinese Taipei competes during the final of women's 53KG weightlifting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 7, 2016. Hsu Shu-Ching won gold medal with a total of 212kg. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Hsu Shu-ching of Chinese Taipei claimed the women's 53kg weightlifting gold medal in a dramatic fashion at the Rio Olympics on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Hsu won with a combined lift of 212kg, while world champion Li Yajun of China didn't finish the competition following unsuccessful jerk attempts.
"I am very happy and very excited. I want to dedicate it to my family, my coach and everyone who supports me," Hsu said after the competition.
Li, who is making her Olympic debut, hoisted 101kg in the snatch but failed all three jerk attempts. The 23-year-old Chinese complained that she and her coaches did not realize the referees had invalidated her first jerk of 123kg due to elbow bending until the close of the competition.
"I noticed the referees gave me two white lights and one red light, which meant I succeeded. But I did't know that the jury later changed its decision," Li said.
Technical official Karl Rimbock told Xinhua that it was clear that Li bent her left elbow during the jerk and the jury had the right to change the result.
Unaware of the change, Li attempted to jerk 126kg but failed both attempts.
"I can easily lift 126kg in practices, but I don't feel well in the jerk. I know my family and my supporter feel pitiful, too. I will continue to work hard for the next Olympics," Li added.
Hsu, the 2015 world championship winner, already secured a medal when she jerked 112kg in her first try. Although Hsu then failed to lift 126kg, Li's unsuccessful attempts meant the gold medal went to Hsu.
"We have been wanting this gold medal. It is especially joyful because she overcame a thigh injury to win the gold," said team medical staff Lin Yin-chou.
Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines, bronze medalist in the 2015 world championships, won the silver with a combined lift of 200kg and Yoon Jin Hee of South Korea took the bronze with 199kg.
"I dedicate this medal to my mother, it is her birthday today," said Diaz.
"I have tried so hard. I have stumbled many times. I wanted to quit, but now all of my sacrifices have paid off."
