Three World Records and North Korea's Sixth Gold: Day 8 Results of the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships

On November 3, the eighth competition day of the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships took place in Ningbo, China. Medals were awarded in the women's 69 kg category. The star of the day was North Korea's Song Kuk Hyang, who set three world records and claimed her third consecutive world title.

The North Korean lifter achieved a total of 275 kg (122 kg in the snatch and 153 kg in the clean and jerk), setting new world records in all three events.

Song Kuk Hyang's competition began with a failed snatch attempt. However, she recovered confidently and finished with a 16 kg advantage over her closest rival.

The silver medal went to her compatriot Ri Suk, who lifted 259 kg in total, while Colombia's Juliette Rodriguez claimed bronze with 245 kg.

This was North Korea's sixth gold medal in the total at the World Championships. The North Korean team continues to lead the medal standings comfortably.

Another highlight of the day was the remarkable performance of 15-year-old Emily Ibanez of Kosovo. The young weightlifter set seven youth world records and finished fifth in the senior competition with a total of 240 kg (106+134).

Remarkably, Ibanez competed in Group B but managed to outperform eight lifters from the stronger Group A.

2026 World Weightlifting Championships Results — Women's 69 kg

Snatch

1. Song Kuk Hyang (North Korea) — 122 kg (world record).

2. Ri Suk (North Korea) — 112 kg.

3. Juliette Rodriguez (Colombia) — 109 kg.

Clean and Jerk

1. Song Kuk Hyang (North Korea) — 153 kg (world record).

2. Ri Suk (North Korea) — 147 kg.

3. Roufida Fathy (Egypt) — 137 kg.

Total

1. Song Kuk Hyang (North Korea) — 275 kg (world record).

2. Ri Suk (North Korea) — 259 kg.

3. Juliette Rodriguez (Colombia) — 245 kg.

The 2026 World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo will continue until November 8. Medals in the heavier weight categories will be decided during the final days of competition, with Armenian athletes also set to compete.