PARIS (TVBS News) — Taiwan’s "Goddess of Weightlifting," Kuo Hsing-chun (郭婞淳), won a bronze medal in the 59 kg women's weightlifting event at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Thursday (Aug. 8).
She shed tears after the competition, expressing that the journey had been challenging and thanked everyone for their support.
Kuo lifted 105 kg in the snatch phase, placing fourth. In the clean-and-jerk event that followed, she opened with 130 kg but failed her first attempt. However, she succeeded on her second try, bringing her total to 235 kg, just 6 kg behind China’s Luo Shifang (羅詩芳) and 7 kg behind Canada’s Maude Charron. Kuo attempted to add 7 kg in her final clean and jerk to challenge for the gold medal. She lifted the bar to her shoulders but was unable to press it overhead.
Reflecting on her performance, Kuo expressed regret and opened up about her feelings. “After the Tokyo Olympics, I felt lost for quite some time and took over two years to get back on track with training. When Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen joined the team, I gradually regained my training rhythm.”
Kuo also shared the physical pain she endured leading up to the Games. “When the Olympic Games Paris 2024 were just around the corner, I accidentally injured myself again. That period was really tough because I couldn't find comfort in any position—whether lying down, sitting, or even sleeping. Sometimes, it felt like no one could truly understand what I was going through.”
When asked about losing to Luo Shifang, Kuo acknowledged that her peak may have passed and hinted that this might be her last Olympics. She expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for their support.
Kuo’s tenacity and spirit have made her a source of pride for Taiwan. Kuo Hsing-chun’s achievements as the first Taiwanese athlete to win medals in three consecutive Games, will be forever praised by the Taiwanese people.
