SPORT / OLYMPICS
Rostami claims 85kg weightlifting gold with world record at Rio Olympics
Published: Aug 13, 2016 01:09 PM
Kianoush Rostami of Iran won the gold medal in the men' 85kg weightlifting by breaking his own world record at the Rio Olympic Games here on Friday.

Rostami, bronze medalist at London Olympics, came into the jerk with the lead in the snatch by one kilo's margin. After his opponent Tian Tao of China jerked 217 for a total of 395kg, the 25-year-old did not waste the last chance to win as he also hoisted 217kg, totaling at 396kg, to break the total world record of 395kg set by himself in May.

Tian, winner in the Asian Games in 2014, only succeeded in every last attempt both in the snatch and jerk to win a thrilling silver medal.

Tian's compatriot Lu Yong won the gold medal in the category for China at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Gabriel Sincraian, placed fifth at the 2015 worlds, took the bronze at 390kg, becoming the third male lifter to win an Olympic medal for Romania.