2026 World Weightlifting Championships Day 3 Results: China Claims Second Gold as USA Falls Just Short Again
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
The third day of competition at the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships concluded on October 29 in Ningbo, China. One set of medals was awarded in the women's 53 kg weight category.
China's Zhang Haiqin became the world champion after a thrilling contest, edging American Miranda Ulrey by just one kilogram. Kim So Hyon of North Korea claimed the bronze medal.
China wins second gold medal at home World Championships
21-year-old Zhang Haiqin recorded a total of 221 kg (98 kg in the snatch and 123 kg in the clean and jerk), securing China's second gold medal of the championships.
American Miranda Ulrey lifted 98 kg in the snatch and 122 kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 220 kg. The result marked a new international career best for the 22-year-old athlete.
The gold medal was decided in the final attempts. Zhang successfully lifted 123 kg in the clean and jerk to establish a lead over her rival. She then attempted to set a world record in the total by requesting 126 kg, but was unable to complete the lift.
As a result, the United States fell just short of gold for the second consecutive day. A day earlier, American Hampton Morris had also claimed silver in the men's 65 kg category.
The bronze medal went to North Korea's Kim So Hyon, who competed in Group B. The North Korean lifter finished with a total of 214 kg and also secured a separate gold medal in the clean and jerk with a result of 123 kg.
Thailand's Surodchana Khambao also delivered an impressive performance, improving her personal best by 12 kg to finish fourth. Meanwhile, Paris Olympic silver medalist Mihaela Cambei of Romania struggled and ended the competition in seventh place.
2026 World Weightlifting Championships Day 3 Results: Women's 53 kg
Snatch
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Zhang Haiqin (China) — 98 kg
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Miranda Ulrey (USA) — 98 kg
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Rozegi Ramos (Philippines) — 97 kg
Clean and Jerk
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Kim So Hyon (North Korea) — 123 kg
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Zhang Haiqin (China) — 123 kg
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Miranda Ulrey (USA) — 122 kg
Total
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Zhang Haiqin (China) — 221 kg
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Miranda Ulrey (USA) — 220 kg
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Kim So Hyon (North Korea) — 214 kg
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Surodchana Khambao (Thailand) — 212 kg
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Rozegi Ramos (Philippines) — 211 kg
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Nigora Abdullaeva (Uzbekistan) — 201 kg
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Mihaela Cambei (Romania) — 200 kg
The 2026 World Weightlifting Championships are taking place in Ningbo from October 27 to November 8. Competition will continue across the remaining weight categories, including events featuring members of the Armenian national team.