Four Olympic medals define the career of Eko Yuli Irawan, the most decorated athlete in the history of Indonesian participation at the Games. Born in Metro in 1989, he began his training in 2000, eventually moving through weight classes from 56 kg to 62 kg and the 61 kg category to secure a legacy of international competition.
Early Development and Junior Success
The son of a vegetable seller and a paddle rickshaw driver, Irawan initiated his sports path at age eleven. His rise in competitive weightlifting began at the 2006 Junior World Championships, where he earned a silver medal with a 269 kg total. By 2007, he secured gold at the Junior World Championships in the 56 kg category, totaling 273 kg.
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Irawan’s Olympic journey spans five consecutive Summer Games, starting with a bronze medal performance in Beijing in 2008. He repeated this success at the 2012 Games with a 317 kg total. His trajectory reached a silver medal standard at the 2016 Rio Olympics and another silver in the men's 61 kg event at the 2020 Tokyo Games. His world-level accolades include eight total medals at world championships, featuring a 2018 gold in the 61 kg category in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where he established records for his clean and jerk at 174 kg and a total lift of 317 kg.
Additional Achievements
Beyond his Olympic consistency, Irawan earned three medals at the Asian Games, highlighted by a gold in 2018. His regional dominance included a gold at the 2007 SEA Games. His professional service and achievements have been recognized by the Republic of Indonesia with the Satyalancana Wira Karya in 2009 and the Jer Basuki Mawa Beya Golden Badge from East Java in 2021. He was also named one of Asia's Most Influential figures in Indonesia in 2021.
The 2024 Olympic Bid
After qualifying through the International Weightlifting World Cup in Phuket on 3 April 2024, Irawan represented his nation in Paris. During the event, he recorded a 135 kg snatch, placing him second after that portion of the competition. However, he concluded his participation after failing to clear three attempts in the clean and jerk.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 July 1989, Metro, Indonesia
- Primary Sport: Weightlifting
- Olympic Medals: Two silver, two bronze
- World Championship Medals: Eight total
- Asian Games Gold: 2018
- Olympic Appearances: Five consecutive games
- Notable Awards: Satyalancana Wira Karya (2009)
- Clean & Jerk World Record (2018): 174 kg
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic medals has Eko Yuli Irawan won?
He has earned four medals across his Olympic career: two silver and two bronze.
What is the weightlifting category Irawan is associated with?
He has competed in the 56 kg, 61 kg, and 62 kg categories throughout his career.
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