The weightlifting world has been captivated by the spectacular performances and dramatic twists at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships in Taipei. As the competition enters its final days, we’re witnessing not only record-breaking lifts but also the emergence of new powerhouses in the sport.
China’s Dominance Challenged
For the first time in over a decade, China’s traditional dominance in the lighter weight categories is facing serious opposition. The South Korean team, following a revolutionary training approach implemented after the Paris Olympics, has claimed three gold medals so far, with Sang-Min Lee’s astonishing 175kg clean and jerk in the 61kg category setting a new world record that left spectators in awe.
“We’ve been working silently for years on perfecting our technique,” commented South Korean head coach Kim Tae-Hyun. “Our approach focuses on maximum power generation through optimal sequencing rather than just raw strength.”
Technology’s Growing Influence
This year’s championships have highlighted the increasing role of technology in elite weightlifting. Athletes are now arriving with comprehensive data analysis teams, using high-speed cameras and motion sensors to make real-time adjustments between attempts.
The Georgian team has particularly embraced this approach, with their lifters wearing special contact lenses that display key biomechanical cues during warm-ups. While the lenses must be removed for actual competition lifts, the technology has helped Giorgi Datunashvili secure gold in the 89kg category with a combined total just 1kg above his closest competitor.
Women’s Categories See Dramatic Shifts
The women’s competitions have delivered some of the most exciting moments of the championships. Colombia’s Maria Valenzuela has emerged as the surprise star, dominating the 59kg category with lifts that would have been competitive in heavier divisions just a few years ago.
Perhaps more significantly, the 71kg category has seen a complete reshuffling of the expected hierarchy when pre-tournament favorite Liu Wenwen of China withdrew due to a last-minute injury. This opened the door for Brazil’s Fernanda Reis, who capitalized on the opportunity with a performance that exceeded her previous best by an impressive 12kg total.
“I’ve been visualizing this moment for years,” an emotional Reis told reporters after securing Brazil’s first gold medal in women’s weightlifting at a World Championship. “When I heard about Liu’s withdrawal, I knew this was my one chance to make history for my country.”
New Weight Categories Create Fresh Narratives
The implementation of the revised weight categories has created fascinating new competitive landscapes. The men’s 102kg category, introduced just months ago, has already established itself as perhaps the most competitive division, with just 5kg separating the top five finishers.
“The new categories have revitalized careers and created opportunities,” explained IWF Technical Director Hassan Al-Maktoum. “Athletes who were previously caught between divisions now have a natural home, and we’re seeing the depth of talent in the sport like never before.”
Looking Ahead
With two days of competition remaining, attention now turns to the superheavyweight categories, where Georgian giant Lasha Talakhadze is expected to attempt a new world record total that could potentially stand for decades.
The championships have also served as the first major qualification event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, adding another layer of significance to every lift and placing. Nations are not just competing for immediate glory but positioning themselves for success three years from now.
One thing is clear from this remarkable tournament: weightlifting is evolving rapidly, with a combination of new training methodologies, technological integration, and rising nations challenging established powers. The 2025 World Championships may well be remembered as a turning point in the sport’s history.
Sources:
- International Weightlifting Federation Official Competition Report, March 12, 2025
- Post-competition interview with South Korean coach Kim Tae-Hyun, March 11, 2025
- IWF Technical Analysis Department, “Mid-Competition Performance Review,” March 12, 2025
- Olympic Qualification Standards Document, IWF, January 2025
- Statement from Georgian Weightlifting Federation on Performance Technology, February 2025