Paris Olympics: Olivia Reeves wins first US Olympic weightlifting gold in 24 years

Olivia Reeves won the United States’ first Olympic gold medal in weightlifting in 24 years at the Paris Olympics on Friday, August 9 2024 night.

In the women’s 71kg division, Reeves lifted 117kg (390lbs) in the snatch and 145kg (320lbs) in the clean and jerk for a total of 262kg, securing the gold by five kilos over Colombia’s Mari Sánchez. Ecuador’s Angie Palacios earned the bronze.

At 21, Reeves from Chattanooga is the youngest American weightlifter to win Olympic gold since 1956. She began weightlifting through CrossFit in fourth grade, influenced by her mother’s gym.

Despite feeling nervous, Reeves managed to stay focused and complete all but one of her lifts. Her failed attempt at 150kg in the clean and jerk was the only miss in her otherwise flawless performance.

During the medal ceremony, Reeves was emotional, overwhelmed by the significance of her achievement. “I’ve heard the national anthem before, but this is the Olympics,” she said. “To be here as the Olympic champion hasn’t sunk in yet.”

The US last won an Olympic gold in weightlifting in Sydney in 2000, with Tara Nott taking the lightest women’s division. Reeves hopes her victory will inspire young girls interested in the sport, emphasizing the importance of representation and dedication.