Taiwan wins 2nd weightlifting gold at Asian Games

2014-09-25

Taiwan’s Lin Tzu-chi claimed gold in the women’s weightlifting 63-kilogram class Sept. 23, breaking two world records and winning the country its second top-of-the-podium finish at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

Lin’s 145 kilograms in the clean and jerk and combined total of 261 kilograms were both world records. She edged out rival Deng Wei from mainland China by 2 kilograms in the latter.

“I knew it would be a tight tussle, but never thought it would be this exciting,” Lin said.

Coach Tsai Wen-yi agreed. “Her 145 kilograms in the clean and jerk and 116 kilograms in the snatch were equal best-ever training results,” he said. “I have not seen her lift 145 kilograms for a very long time.”

Lin originally trained for the 58-kilogram class, but her performances did not impress Tsai. “I persuaded her to gain more weight and move up. She improved dramatically after gaining weight,” he said.

Tsai’s strategy of putting added pressure on the competition by setting relatively high targets for Lin of 140 kilograms in the clean and jerk and 110 kilograms in the snatch paid dividends.

Lin was not fazed, however, focusing on her performance rather than the numbers. “I wasn't aware of coach’s tactics,” she said. “I’ll lift whatever weight he sets for me as my only goal is to win.”

Inspired by teammate Hsu Shu-ching, Taiwan’s first gold medalist at the games in the women’s 53-kilogram class Sept. 21, Lin said the days of flying under the radar are over. “Everyone will pay a little more attention to me in competition from now on.”

The weightlifter’s father Lin Ching-tsung gave news of the gold medal the thumbs-up at his noodle stand in New Taipei City. “The whole family was glued to the TV during the competition,” he said: “I am deeply grateful for the efforts of her coach and the country.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=222091&CtNode=413)