Tokyo Olympics: China clinch another gold thanks to ‘flamingo’ weightlifter Li Fabin’s record-breaking performance

The 28-year-old three-time Asian champion sets two Olympic records after stealing the men’s 61kg show

Li is known for his unique lifting technique on one leg after claiming it improves his balance

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Chinese weightlifting gold medallist Li Fabin in the men's 61kg snatch group at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in July. Photo: EPA

Published: 6:56pm, 25 Jul 2021Updated: 6:56pm, 25 Jul 2021

Weightlifter Li Fabin secured yet another Tokyo 2020 Games gold medal for China after sealing two new Olympic records in the men’s 61kg category at the Tokyo International Forum on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, known for his unique “flamingo” lifting technique in which he raises one leg for superior balance, scored a total of 313kg after impressive snatch and clean and jerk performances.

Though he was unable to improve on his world snatch record of 145kg and total record of 318kg set in Thailand in 2019, his 172kg clean and jerk lift and overall total earned him two Olympic records.

Eko Yuli Irawan, of Indonesia, and Igor Son, of Kazakhstan, won the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Irawan holds the men’s 61kg world record clean and jerk with 174kg.

Olympic gold medallist Li Fabin of China (centre) with Indonesian silver medallist Eko Yuli and bronze winner Igor Son, of Kazakhstan at the Tokyo International Forum. Photo: AFP

Li claims his rarely seen one-leg lifting style improves his performance significantly. He has experience in the 56kg and 61kg categories.