(ECNS) -- China's Shi Zhiyong, competing in the men's 73kg weightlifting event at his third Olympic Games in Paris, missed the chance to retain his gold title after failing three attempts in the clean and jerk.
Shi said he plans to retire and spend quality time with his family while embracing the next stage of life.
During the competition, Shi ranked first in the snatch with a lift of 165kg. However, he failed all three attempts at 191kg in the clean and jerk, ultimately missing out on a medal.
Shi tearfully expressed his disappointment: “I’m sorry for the Chinese weightlifting team. Everyone trusts me and has provided the best support, but I couldn’t contribute. I feel like I’ve failed.”
“I was a bit too hasty on the first attempt in the clean and jerk. After failing the second attempt, I was somewhat disoriented, and on the third attempt, I might have torn my adductor muscle—I heard a ‘pop’,” he said.
During preparations for the Paris Olympics, Shi had battled a persistent back injury. Yu Jie, head coach of the Chinese men’s weightlifting team, mentioned before the competition that Shi’s preparation had been extremely challenging and was a testament to his willpower.
At the Rio Olympics, 23-year-old Shi won gold in the men’s 69kg weightlifting. He continued his success at the Tokyo Olympics and broke his own world record.
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