HIDILYN Diaz, the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, faced disappointment in her pursuit of a podium finish at the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games held on Monday, October 2, at the XSC Gymnasium in China.
Diaz, who had previously won gold during the 2018 Asian Games in the 53kg division, shifted to the 59-kilogram women’s category but finished in fourth place with a total of 223 points, comprising 97kgs in the snatch and 136kgs in the clean and jerk.
Diaz had a chance to secure at least a bronze medal, but her third and final attempt at 131kgs was deemed a “no lift” as she struggled with the equipment. Her first two attempts at 121kgs and 126kgs were successful.
In the snatch, Diaz managed to lift 94 and 97 kilograms on her initial two attempts but fell short at 100 on her third and final attempt.
North Korea’s Kim Ilgyong clinched the gold medal with a total of 246kgs, setting a new world record in the snatch at 111kgs and establishing a new Asian Games record at 135kgs in the clean and jerk.
China’s Luo Shifang secured the silver medal with a total of 240kgs, while Taiwan’s Hsing Chun Kuo earned the bronze medal with 227kgs.
Diaz’s participation in this edition of the Asian Games was a part of her efforts to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. (ai/mnm)
