Weightlifter Kuo Hsing-chun qualifies for Nagoya Asian Games

Taiwanese weightlifter Kuo Hsing-chun, affectionately known as the "Weightlifting Goddess," has successfully qualified for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya. The 32-year-old secured her place in the women's 61kg category during the national team selection trials held recently by the Chinese Taipei Weightlifting Association.

“

it felt quite special

Kuo achieved a total lift of 230kg, comprising a 102kg snatch and a 128kg clean and jerk. This performance was sufficient to earn her a spot in the prestigious regional competition. Despite her decorated career, which includes Olympic and World Championship medals, Kuo noted that participating in a selection trial felt "quite special" as she hasn't done so in a while.

While she expressed satisfaction with her current condition and performance, Kuo admitted that a lingering old injury slightly affected her. She felt she was "a little short" in the clean and jerk, narrowly missing the direct qualification standard. Nevertheless, she is committed to continuing her rehabilitation and adjustments to ensure she is in peak condition for the Asian Games in Japan.

“

the clean and jerk event was still a little short

The selection criteria for the Asian Games typically involve achieving a certain ranking in the Asian Championships. However, due to discrepancies between the Asian Championships weight categories and the new categories implemented by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) in August, the association evaluated athletes' performances. For Kuo, the standard was based on the third-place result of 235kg in the 63kg category at this year's Asian Championships, as there was no 61kg category. Her 230kg total was considered sufficient given the category differences.

“

hope to maintain the best state when I get to Japan