First gold medal for Thailand in Olympics

Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon of Thailand won the weightlifting gold medal in the women’s 53 kilogram category, all to her total life of 221 kg. South Korea’s Yoon Jinhee finished in second place and Natassia Novikava of Belarus got the bronze.

In her first Snatch attempt, Jaroenrattanatarakoon succeeded at lifting 95kg. In the Clean and Jerk round, 24-year-old Jaroenrattanatarakoon lifted 120kg in her first attempt. She then went on with a stunning attempt of 126kg, which was easily completed and made her an Olympic record holder in the Clean and Jerk. Although she failed to raise her record with her third attempt, her stellar performance won a standing ovation from all spectators in the stadium.

Thailand’s Udomporn Polsak was the champion of this weight class four years ago. Jaroenrattanatarakoon not only retained this title, but also claimed the first gold medal for her country in this year’s Olympics.