The line-up of weightlifters for the 2024 Olympics has long been known since the 2024 World Cup in Phuket, but with one exception. China earned too many licences, with Chinese weightlifters making it to the Olympic rankings in 9 out of 10 weight categories for men and women. However, under the rules, one country can only send three men and three women to the 2024 Olympics - one in each weight.
China had to choose which weights they would be represented in. This decision has been awaited by many, as it determines licences for those who have not been in the rankings before, and of course it significantly increases the chances of gold for representatives of other countries in the weights where China will not be represented. As the Chinese were leading in the rankings of almost every weight (except for 73 and +102kg among men).
It is also worth mentioning that Armenian fans were also waiting for China's decision. Since in the weight category up to 102kg Garik Karapetyan is in second place after Liu Huanhua. There was a possibility that China would give up this weight category, but it did not happen.
China's official weightlifting line-up for the 2024 Olympic Games:
- Li Fabin | men, 61kg.
- Shi Zhiyong | men, 73kg.
- Liu Huanhua | men, 102kg.
- Hou Zhihui | women, up to 49 kg.
- Luo Shifang | women, up to 59 kg.
- Li Wenwen | women +81 kg.
Thus, the 2024 Olympic Games will be missed:
Li Daiying - Olympic ranking leader in the men's 89kg men's weight class. He holds the current world record in the men's 396kg double and is the 2022 World Champion. In Dayin's absence, the main favourite in the men's 89kg will of course be Bulgaria's Carlos Nasar, number two in the rankings and holder of the world record in the jerk (223kg). Also increasing his medal chances is Armenian weightlifter Andranik Karapetyan, who was ranked No. 8 but could well be in contention for bronze.
Instead of Li Dayin, Belarus' Pyotr Asayonok will go to the 2024 Olympic Games.
Liao Guifang is the Olympic ranking leader in the women's 71kg weight class. The 22-year-old Chinese would have been a clear favourite for the 2024 Olympic Games, but will miss the tournament due to a decision of the Chinese federation. She is the 2023 world champion and was 5kg ahead of American Olivia Reeves in the rankings. Now the USA has a serious chance for gold at this weight. Reeves' main competitor will be Ecuador's Angie Palacios.
Instead of Liao Guifang, Eze Joy Ogbonna (Nigeria) will go to the 2024 Olympic Games.
Liang Xiaomei is the undisputed leader in the women's 81kg weight category. The 26-year-old Chinese woman was not just the first in the ranking, she was 15kg ahead of her nearest pursuer Neysi Dahomez (Ecuador). Liang Xiaomei holds the world records in the deadlift (284kg) and the jerk (161kg), and is a two-time world champion.
Uzbekistan's Rigina Adashbaeva will replace Liang Xiaomei at the 2024 Olympic Games.