Two world records in the clean and jerk event, specifically lifts of 202 kg and 204 kg, established Rahmat Erwin Abdullah as a primary force in international weightlifting. The Indonesian athlete, born in Makassar on 13 October 2000, has secured multiple gold medals at the World Weightlifting Championships, consistently dominating the 73 kg category across various global stages since 2018.
Early Development and International Entry
The foundation for his career involves a background in competitive lifting. He is the son of Erwin Abdullah, a silver medalist at the 2002 Asian Games, and Ami Asun Budiono, a gold medalist at the 1995 SEA Games. His formal entry into international competition began in 2017 at the Youth World Weightlifting Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, where he competed in the 69 kg weight class.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Progression in the 73 kg Category
Since the 2018 World Weightlifting Championships in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, he has focused exclusively on the 73 kg class. His rise continued at the 2019 Asian Junior Championships in Pyongyang, North Korea. There, he registered a snatch of 147 kg and a clean and jerk of 179 kg, totaling 326 kg to secure first place ahead of North Korean competitor Ko Myong-ho. This victory preceded a gold medal finish at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines, where he outperformed Vietnamese lifter Phạm Tuấn Anh with a total of 322 kg.
Global Championship Success
In 2020, he secured another international gold medal at the Asian Junior Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, defeating Iranian athlete Mir Mostafa Javadi. His performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, resulted in a bronze medal. He subsequently achieved back-to-back gold medals at the World Weightlifting Championships in 2021 and 2022. The 2022 event, held in Bogotá, Colombia, served as the platform for his record-setting performances in the jerk category.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 October 2000, Makassar, Indonesia
- Sport: Weightlifting
- Weight Class: 73 kg
- Olympic Medal: Bronze (2020 Summer Olympics)
- World Championship Golds: 2021, 2022
- Career Best Jerk: 204 kg
Questions readers ask
What is Rahmat Erwin Abdullah's weight class?
He competes in the 73 kg weight category.
Which major records does he hold?
He has set world records in the clean and jerk event with lifts of 202 kg and 204 kg.
