Thach Kim Tuan took a hat trick at the ongoing International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in California, the US.

Thach Kim Tuan of Việt Nam (2nd, left) poses with his world gold medals together with other athletes at the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in California, the United States. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

The Vietnamese triumphed in the men’s 56kg category in all 3 events of snatch, clean and jerk and total.

Tuan, 23, had a result of 126kg in the second attempt in snatch, which placed him in top position.  His teammate, Tran Le Quoc Toan, was second with 119kg.  Josue Brachi Garcia of Spain came third, lifting 118kg.

He then lifted 153kg in the clean and jerk and secured the second title.

Witoon Mimoon of Thailand stood second with 152kg and Toan was third with 151kg.

With a total of 279kg, Tuan completed his task with a third gold, although it was not as good as his previous score. Toan finished second and Mimoon third.

It is the first time a Vietnamese won in all three events of a category at the world tournament.

It is Tuan’s 10^th world title, currently placing him third among the list of weightlifters who own the highest number of world gold medals in history.  Wu Jingbiao and Long Qingquan of China are No 1 and No 2, with 12 medals each.

Tuan’s victory was partly due to the absence of powerful rivals from 9 countries, including Russia, China, Turkey, Belarus and Ukraine, which were banned from the tournament because of doping problems, and North Korean athletes were not given visas to the US.

In the 56kg class, there were 12 competitors.

However, it is the best ever result for Viet Nam at a world-level competition.

Two months ago, Tuan lifted 282kg in total and won a gold at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan.

Earlier, he also triumphed at the Malaysian Southeast Asian Games in August. Tuan also won a gold in snatch at the worlds in 2014.

According to coach Huynh Huu Chi, the Viet Nam team are expecting good results from duo Trinh Van Vinh and Lai Gia Thanh in the men’s 62kg, and Vuong Thi Huyen and Nguyen Thi Thuy in the women’s 48kg class. 

The world tournament in Anaheim began on Tuesday and will conclude on 5 December.

(Source: VNS)