NINGBO, November North Korean weightlifting sensation Song Kuk Hyang has delivered a historic performance at the World Weightlifting Championships, breaking all three women’s 69kg world records and setting her sights on the ultimate prize at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The 25-year-old athlete produced an outstanding performance on Tuesday, lifting 122 kilograms in the snatch and 153 kilograms in the clean and jerk. Her combined total of 275 kilograms established new world records in all three categories, surpassing the marks she had previously achieved at the Asian Games in September.

Song’s remarkable achievement confirmed her position among the leading figures in international women’s weightlifting and strengthened expectations surrounding her Olympic ambitions.

A Record-Breaking Performance in Ningbo

The competition was not without challenges for the North Korean champion. Song initially failed to complete her opening snatch attempt at 114 kilograms.

However, she quickly recovered and successfully lifted 122 kilograms in her final attempt, setting a new world record.

She continued her impressive performance in the clean and jerk, successfully raising 153 kilograms on her second attempt. Having secured the record-breaking result, she decided not to take a third attempt.

Her combined total of 275 kilograms placed her comfortably ahead of the competition.

North Korean teammate Ri Suk secured the silver medal with a total of 259 kilograms, while Colombia’s Juleth Rodriguez finished third with 245 kilograms.

Song Credits Her Coach for Historic Achievement

Following her victory, Song celebrated by raising the DPR Korean flag before the spectators, marking an emotional moment after her extraordinary performance.

In an interview with Xinhua, the weightlifter expressed gratitude to her coach, acknowledging the important role played by her training team in helping her achieve three world records.

She described the accomplishment as a collective success built through dedication, preparation and consistent support.

Los Angeles Olympics Become Her Biggest Ambition

Despite her latest international success, Song is already looking toward a bigger challenge.

With the Ningbo championships marking the beginning of the qualification process for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she said her attention has shifted toward preparing for the world’s most prestigious sporting competition.

Song revealed that she intends to intensify her training and make even greater efforts to secure Olympic gold.

Her immediate priority, she explained, is to maintain high-intensity preparation and continue improving her performance.

Respect for International Rivals

Song also acknowledged the strength of athletes competing internationally, particularly weightlifters from China.

Although Chinese competitors did not participate in the women’s 69kg category at this championship, she expressed confidence that the rivalry between the two countries would remain an important feature of international weightlifting.

She emphasized that her ambitions extend beyond defeating individual opponents, as she wants to compete successfully against the strongest athletes in the world.

A Strong Finish for DPR Korea

The women’s 69kg competition was the final event for DPR Korea at this year’s World Weightlifting Championships.

The country has established a strong reputation in women’s weightlifting, having won every women’s 69kg competition it has entered since the introduction of the new weight categories at last year’s world championships.

Song’s latest achievement adds another significant chapter to that record.

With three world records now attached to her name, the North Korean weightlifter has emerged as an athlete to watch as the international competition moves toward the 2028 Olympic Games.

Her challenge now will be to maintain consistency, continue improving her lifting capacity and turn her world championship success into Olympic glory.