Weightlifter Hou Zhihui wins second gold for Team China in Tokyo 2020

Hou Zhihui of China celebrates after winning the gold medal in women's weightlifting 49-kilogram final in the Tokyo Olympics, July 24, 2021. /CFP

Hou Zhihui claimed the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics women's weightlifting 49-kilogram final, the second gold for Team China on Saturday.

Hou lifted 94, 116 and 210kgs in snatch, clean jerk and total in the final. The first two numbers set a new Olympic record for women's 49kg weightlifting event.

"It's different than before this time," said Hou to China Media Group (CMG) after the match. "I used to worry about getting hurt when I was lifting, but this time I was able to invest all in, spare no efforts and leave no regret. It felt fantastic focusing on nothing but competition."

Hou kept the gold medal in her hand for a long time. She said she cried immediately after walking off the podium because she knew her dream had finally come true.