A total lift of 307 kilograms at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro established a new world record for Long Qingquan, who competes in the 56 kg division. This performance surpassed a mark held for sixteen years, cementing his status as a two-time Olympic champion representing the People's Republic of China.
Early Success
Born on December 3, 1990, in Longshan County, Long Qingquan is an athlete of Miao ethnicity. He first achieved international prominence at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. During that competition, he secured a gold medal and established two junior world records within his weight class. He maintained this momentum into 2009 by winning gold at the World Weightlifting Championships, where he reached a total of 292 kg.
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The years following his initial success presented significant competitive hurdles. In 2010, he did not successfully defend his world title, finishing behind Wu Jingbiao. His absence from the 2011 World Weightlifting Championships preceded a period of difficulty during the national trials for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he again fell behind Wu in the qualification process.
Return to Form
Long continued his international efforts in the subsequent years, earning a silver medal at the 2013 World Weightlifting Championships behind Om Yun-chol and a bronze medal in 2014. Despite a failure to record a valid lift at the 2015 World Weightlifting Championships, he returned to peak performance in 2016. His successful lift in Rio de Janeiro broke the previous world record of 305 kg established by Halil Mutlu in Sydney.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 December 1990
- Birthplace: Longshan County, China
- Nationality: People's Republic of China
- Ethnicity: Miao
- Weight Class: 56 kg
- Olympic Gold Medals: 2
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic gold medals has Long Qingquan won?
He is a two-time Olympic champion, having won gold medals in 2008 and 2016.
What record did he break at the 2016 Rio Olympics?
He broke the world record of 305 kg with a total lift of 307 kg.
