With the 45kg and 49kg categories being replaced by the new 48kg and 53kg classes, the women’s weightlifting landscape is about to see a seismic shift. Historically, the 45kg class was less competitive as a non-Olympic category, while the 49kg class attracted the best of the best. But now, with the introduction of the 48kg Olympic class, the stakes have never been higher.
China’s Hidden Powerhouses in the 45kg Category
China has been quietly holding onto two exceptional 45kg lifters, and the new 48kg class is their time to shine:
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Zhao Jinhong:
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Set world records at the 2024 World Championships:
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113kg clean & jerk
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200kg total
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Also snatched an unofficial world record of 91kg (200lb) at a national competition.
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Zhao Jinlan:
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Recently jerked 115kg off blocks, beating her teammate’s clean & jerk world record by 2kg in training.
With the added bodyweight allowance in the 48kg category, these lifters are expected to be even stronger contenders.
North Korea’s Dominance in the 48kg
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The current 49kg world number one, Ri Song Gum, will likely drop to the new 48kg class.
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Known for her unmatched leg strength, she remains the lifter to beat despite China’s rising stars.
The Question Around Xiang Linxiang
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China’s new 49kg athlete, Xiang Linxiang, who took silver in Bahrain with a colossal 120kg clean and jerk, faces a big decision:
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Move to the 49kg category to contend with other Chinese lifters and North Korea’s Ri Song Gum?
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Or move up to the 53kg class for a clearer path?
What to Watch
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Can China’s Zhao Jinhong and Zhao Jinlan overcome Ri Song Gum in the new 48kg category?
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Will North Korea maintain dominance, or is China set to take over?
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Where will Xiang Linxiang fit into this reshuffled weight class structure?
The weight categories aren’t set to change until the summer.
Any predictions?
