From Junior Championships to World Stage: Colombia at the World Weightlifting Championship in Riyadh

William Peña, the President of the Colombian Weightlifting Federation, expressed unwavering confidence in the exceptional talent of Colombia as the country prepared to participate in the current World Weightlifting Championship in Riyadh. With a resolute belief in the prowess of Colombian weightlifters, he eagerly anticipated their performance in this prestigious competition, which serves as a crucial qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His optimism and faith in the Colombian athletes set the stage for what would prove to be an exceptional showcase of strength and skill on the international platform.

Yeinny’s Remarkable Performance

On Friday, Colombia had a reason to swell with pride as Yeinny Norela Geles Moreno, hailing from Antioquia, showcased an outstanding performance in the women’s 87-kilogram category. The 25-year-old athlete, who embarked on her weightlifting journey at the age of 12, demonstrated remarkable progress by clinching silver medals in both the clean and jerk and the total lift categories.

Triumph Over Early Challenges

Despite initially placing fourth in the snatch with a lift of 106 kilograms and encountering some early challenges, Yeinny Norela Geles Moreno displayed unwavering determination and confidence. She successfully lifted 138 kilograms in the clean and jerk, accumulating a total of 244 kilograms, ultimately securing the runner-up position.

In the snatch (112 kilograms) and total (245 kilograms), the victory went to Ying-Yuan Lo from Chinese Taipei (112+133=245). Meanwhile, the Norwegian athlete Solfrid Eila Koanda claimed the gold in the clean and jerk with a lift of 156 kilograms

From Junior Championships to World Stage: Yeinny’s Rise

This talented weightlifter from Urabá, Antioquia, who previously ranked sixth in the Junior World Championship held in Russia in 2014, had recently achieved remarkable success. She became the Pan American champion in Bogotá last year and finished third in both the South American Games in Asunción and the Bolivarian Games in Valledupar. In Saudi Arabia, she continued to reap the rewards of her years of dedication and hard work.

Colombia’s Weightlifting Glory: Fourteen Medals and Counting

With Yeinny Norela Geles Moreno’s two medals, the Colombian national team, under the guidance of coaches Luis Carlos Arrieta and Duván Carbajal, has now amassed a total of fourteen medals at the World Weightlifting Championship: two gold, eight silver, and four bronze.

A Grand Finale: Colombian Weighlifters Bid Farewell to Riyadh

On the upcoming Saturday, which marks the final day of Colombian representation in the championship, Yeimar Mendoza and Óscar Garcés will compete in the 109-kilogram category. The Colombian weightlifting team’s impressive performance in Riyadh is a testament to the nation’s dedication to the sport and its promising future in international competitions.