China’s Li goes from sleeping on floor to standing on podium

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

China’s Li Wenwen won the gold medal in the women’s +86kg weightlifting event at the Asian Games in Nagoya by lifting a total of 310 kilograms, setting new Games records in both the snatch and overall total. Her victory cements her dominance in the sport ahead of the next Olympics, while South Korea’s Park Hye-jeong and Qatar’s Ouisal Ikhlef took silver and bronze respectively.

China’s Li Wenwen secured the gold medal in the women’s +86kg weightlifting event at the Asian Games held in Nagoya on September 29, lifting a total of 310 kilograms to set new Games records and claim the top podium spot. The two-time Olympic champion, who previously claimed the +87kg title in Tokyo and the +81kg crown in Paris, outperformed her rivals by a substantial margin at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center.

Li’s performance included a Games record in the snatch category with a successful lift of 140 kilograms on her third attempt, following an opening lift of 132 kilograms. South Korea’s Park Hye-jeong was the closest competitor, managing 133 kilograms in the snatch. In the clean and jerk segment, Park initially posted 167 kilograms but was surpassed by Li’s effortless 170 kilograms, which secured her victory and the gold medal.

Despite being well below her own world record total of 335 kilograms, Li’s overall lifts were sufficient to maintain a comfortable lead. Following her win, Li showed an emotional and exuberant celebration, shedding tears before joyfully accepting her medal. She attributed her success to dedication and preparation, stating she came to the Games focused solely on winning the medal.

Li also shared insights into her pre-competition routine, which includes a habit of sleeping on the floor, a practice she continues while staying on a cruise ship in Nagoya. She described the routine as comforting and said it helps her feel safer during competitions. Looking ahead, Li indicated she plans to rest briefly before resuming training for the upcoming Olympic Games.

South Korea’s Park Hye-jeong, the defending +87kg gold medalist from the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou three years earlier, expressed mixed feelings about her silver medal finish. While she was unable to replicate her previous gold medal performance, she noted an improvement in her lifting totals and viewed the competition as a personal victory.

The bronze medal in the event was claimed by Ouisal Ikhlef of Qatar, rounding out the podium in the women’s +86kg weightlifting competition.

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