Forde: "Wave" Weerapol Wichuma clinched two gold medals in the men's 71 kg category at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships held in Forde, Norway. He achieved this remarkable feat by breaking the world records in both the clean and jerk and the total weight lifted.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai weightlifting team fielded Flight Sergeant Weeraphon Wichuma in the men's 71 kg category. Weerapol, who previously won a silver medal in the men's 73 kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, competed fiercely in the snatch segment. He successfully lifted 148 kilograms on his first attempt and 152 kilograms on his second attempt. However, he could not surpass 156 kilograms on his third attempt, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the snatch. Despite equaling the 152 kilograms record set by Miyamoto Masanori from Japan, Weerapol missed out on the bronze medal as Japan achieved the weight first.
In the clean and jerk segment, Weerapol initially lifted 190 kilograms on his second attempt. For his third attempt, he tackled 194 kilograms. Although one judge approved the lift and two did not, the competition control committee reviewed the challenge video and reversed their decision, allowing Weerapol to successfully lift 194 kilograms. This lift not only secured him the gold medal but also broke the world record previously held by Olivares Paez Sebastian Andr©s from Colombia, who had lifted 191 kilograms. Weerapol's total weight lifted was 346 kilograms, surpassing the previous world standard of 340 kilograms, thus earning him a second gold medal.
The Thai powerlifting team has so far claimed a total of 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals at the championships. Petty Officer Nattawut Suebsan is set to compete in the men's 79 kg category later tonight, marking another opportunity for Thailand to showcase its strength on the global stage.