Lu Xiaojun is an icon in weightlifting, a sport renowned for elite technique and beast-mode strength. As an international contest, weightlifting has been a part of the modern Olympic Games since its creation in 1896 and it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The weightlifting contest involves lifting barbells in two specific movements: the snatch and the clean and jerk. These movements not only showcase an athlete's physical power but also their mental fortitude and determination. Weightlifting has become a symbol of strength and has produced legendary athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport… legends such as Lu Xiaojun.
The Legend of Lu Xiaojun - A Brief Biography
Born on July 27, 1984, in Zibo, China, Lu Xiaojun began his weightlifting journey at the age of 14. Prior to that, he was training as a short-distance runner, but his explosiveness from the sprinting blocks drew the attention of a local coach, resulting in Lu being recruited to a weightlifting program. He quickly showed exceptional talent and dedication, and despite some early injury woes, his hard work paid off. Lu won his first international medal at 19 years old. Since then, Lu Xiaojun has gone on to become one of the most accomplished weightlifters in history.
Lu Xiaojun's Rise to Fame in Weightlifting
Lu Xiaojun's rise to fame in weightlifting came alongside some extraordinary performances on the international stage. He first gained widespread recognition in 2009 when he won the gold medal at the World Championships, setting a new world record in the process. This victory propelled him to the forefront of the weightlifting world and solidified his status as a rising star.
Since then, Lu Xiaojun has continued to dominate the sport. He has won multiple world championships and Olympic medals, setting and breaking his own records along the way. His prestigious resume includes:
- 2009 World Weightlifting Championships: Gold medal.
- 2011 World Weightlifting Championships: Gold medal.
- 2012 Summer Olympics: Gold medal in the 77 kg class with a total of 379 kg.
- 2013 World Weightlifting Championships: Three gold medals in the 77 kg class, with a world record snatch of 176 kg and a total of 380 kg.
- 2016 Summer Olympics: Initially finished with a total of 379 kg but did not win gold due to a tiebreaker based on body weight with Nijat Rahimov. However, Rahimov was later disqualified for doping, and Lu regained the gold medal.
- 2019 World Weightlifting Championships: Gold medal in the 81 kg category, setting a new world record total of 378 kg.
- 2020 Summer Olympics: Gold medal in the men's 81 kg weightlifting competition with a total of 374 kg, becoming the oldest weightlifting champion in modern Olympic history at age 37.
For over a decade, Lu’s impeccable technique and incredible strength have made him a force to be reckoned with in international weightlifting.