TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's weightlifting team, featuring three prominent athletes, is set to compete in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Taiwan’s “Goddess of Weightlifting,” Kuo Hsing-chun (郭婞淳), along with Chen Wen-huei (陳玟卉) and Fang Wan-ling (方菀靈), aims to bring glory to their nation.
Kuo Hsing-chun, a gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, faces a challenging competition due to a lingering injury and formidable challengers. To help Kuo refine her techniques, Coach Lin Ching-neng (林敬能) has enlisted Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen (高凱文) for assistance. In an interview, Lin shared that Kuo is gradually intensifying her training efforts and regaining confidence with the help of the new coach.
In the women’s 59-kilogram category, Kuo will compete against top athletes, including China’s Luo Shifang (羅詩芳) and Pei Xinyi (裴鑫依). Luo Shifang, 23, made headlines at the 2024 World Cup with a 108kg snatch and 140kg clean and jerk, totaling 248kg, surpassing Kuo’s previous world record of 247kg set in 2021. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Pei Xinyi also showcased her strength with a total lift of 233kg.
Facing top Chinese contenders, Kuo’s quest to repeat as Olympic champion is challenging. However, Coach Lin emphasized that success doesn’t rely solely on the athletes' strength. "When athletes are on par with each other, the coaches' strategies and the athletes' positive mentality are the keys to success," said Lin.
Chen Wen-huei, who won bronze in the women’s 64-kilogram category at the Tokyo Olympics, will compete in the 71-kilogram category. Fang Wan-ling, who finished fourth in the women’s 49-kilogram category at the Tokyo Olympics, is aiming for a medal this time.
The Taiwanese weightlifting team will depart for Paris on Thursday (Aug. 1). Fang Wan-ling and Kuo Hsing-chun will compete on Aug. 8, while Chen Wen-huei will take the stage on Aug. 10, hoping to lift Taiwan's spirits and stand proudly on the podium.