Mirabai Chanu misses out on medal at the Paris Olympics, finishing just outside the podium in fourth place. The silver medallist from the Tokyo Games aimed to achieve a total lift of 200 kg or more to guarantee a medal but ended with an aggregate of 199 kg at the South Paris Arena. Chanu’s journey to the Olympics was fraught with challenges, including a hip injury sustained at the Asian Games, which had kept her from lifting for four months. Despite a rapid recovery and impressive performances in the lead-up to the Games, she fell just short of her goal.

Chanu’s journey to the Olympics was marked by a challenging recovery from a hip injury sustained at the Asian Games. This injury had kept her from lifting for four months, making her performance even more remarkable. Despite her rapid preparation and impressive performance in the lead-up to the Games, Chanu’s Olympic campaign was defined by a critical final lift that did not go as planned.

On her third attempt, she equalled her personal best snatch of 88 kg. However, her clean and jerk lift of 111 kg was followed by an unsuccessful final attempt at 114 kg, which would have secured a medal. Even with a total weight of 200 kg, Chanu might have earned a bronze medal if she had managed a clean and jerk lift of 112 kg, despite her lower body weight compared to Thailand’s Sudorchana Khambao.

Competition Analysis

The competition was fierce, with China’s Hou Zhihui dominating the weightlifting event with an aggregate of 206 kg, including an Olympic clean and jerk record of 117 kg. Zhihui successfully defended her title amidst strong competition from Romania’s Mihaela Cambei. Cambei’s impressive performance included a 93 kg snatch, contributing to her total weight of 205 kg. Sudorchana Khambao of Thailand also performed admirably, with her total of 200 kg, which included an 88 kg snatch.

Mirabai Chanu's return to competitive weightlifting at the IWF World Cup in April was notable, as she lifted 184 kg, showing significant improvement from her previous performances. This was a crucial qualifying event for the Olympics. Prior to that, Chanu had placed sixth at the 2023 Asian Championships in Jinju, South Korea, with a total weight of 194 kg. Her Olympic performance, despite the setback, underscored her resilience and dedication. Notably, Chanu had not surpassed 200 kg since the 2017 World Championships in Bogota, where she won a silver medal—her second Worlds medal after her victory in Anaheim.

Mirabai Chanu misses out on medal
Image Source: Pairs 2024

During her routine at the Olympics, Chanu initially struggled with an 85 kg snatch but eventually succeeded, showing visible anxiety. The tension was palpable as she attempted an 88 kg snatch on her first try, failing to secure the lift. Despite this, she demonstrated considerable resolve, eventually managing the 88 kg lift successfully on her second attempt. Her performance was met with excitement from her coach Vijay Sharma and applause from the audience, as she held the barbell above her head and paused momentarily, showcasing her strength and determination.

The final stages of the competition saw Chanu and Khambao tied at 88 kg, with Chanu initially ahead due to being 200 grams lighter. However, the final attempts decided the outcome, with both competitors engaged in a fierce duel for the remaining medals. Ultimately, Chanu’s fourth-place finish was a testament to her exceptional skill and perseverance, even though she did not secure a medal.

Chanu’s reflection on her performance was filled with both satisfaction and a sense of missed opportunity. “I am happy with my performance. Coming back from an injury, I gave my best. Everyone works hard, but getting a medal involves a little bit of luck as well. I am going through my periods, still I gave my best,” she said.

Mirabai Chanu misses out on a medal this time, but her contribution to weightlifting and her inspiring comeback from injury remain significant. Her performance at the Paris Olympics highlights the fierce competition in the sport and her unwavering dedication, ensuring that her legacy in weightlifting continues to inspire.

“I am happy with my performance. Coming back from an injury I gave my best. Everyone works hard, but getting a medal involves a little bit of luck as well. I am going through my periods, still I gave my best,” said Mirabai.

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