World Weightlifting Championships 2025 – Førde, Norway

A Power-Packed Week in Førde

The 2025 World Weightlifting Championships turned the quiet town of Førde, Norway into the epicenter of global strength. For ten thrilling days this October, more than 400 athletes from almost 90 countries gathered under one roof to battle for world titles. From sunrise training sessions to late-night finals, the energy inside the Fordehuset arena never faded. Fans from across Europe and beyond filled the stands, waving flags and chanting for their nations. The event had a truly international spirit — with powerhouse teams from China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Turkey sharing the stage with lifters from smaller federations like Iceland, Chile, and Nigeria. For many athletes, it was more than a competition; it was a moment to prove years of dedication and sacrifice.

Norway embraced the event with open arms. The scenic fjords and crisp mountain air provided a breathtaking backdrop for the world’s strongest athletes. Local media gave full coverage, turning Førde into a national spotlight. Cafés hung banners of Solfrid Koanda, Norway’s own weightlifting star, and the community rallied behind her every lift. The opening ceremony set the tone — vibrant, emotional, and full of pride. Athletes marched in under their flags as Norwegian folk music played in the background, blending tradition with modern sport. The event wasn’t just about medals; it was about connection. Between lifters sharing warm-ups backstage and fans swapping stories in the crowd, the championships brought together people united by passion for the barbell.

Legendary Lifts and Historic Feats

This year’s championships delivered some of the most thrilling moments the sport has seen in years. Every session brought intensity, emotion, and displays of sheer power that reminded fans why weightlifting is one of the most captivating Olympic sports.

• Rizki Juniansyah (Indonesia) delivered one of the standout performances of the competition in the men’s 79 kg category. Known for his explosive power, he lifted a jaw-dropping 204 kg in the clean & jerk, setting a new world record. He paired it with a 157 kg snatch, giving him a 361 kg total, just one kilo shy of the all-time record. His precise timing and confident lifts drew thunderous applause from the crowd.

• The men’s 71 kg division turned into a thrilling showcase of world-class competition. Weeraphon Wichuma (Thailand) claimed gold with a 152 kg snatch and a world-record 194 kg clean & jerk. Close behind, He Yueji (China), Masanori Miyamoto (Japan), and Genc Yusuf Fehmi (Turkey) pushed him to his limits. All three lifters broke national or continental records, showing just how competitive this category has become.

• The loudest cheers came for Solfrid Koanda (Norway) in the women’s 86 kg class. Competing on home soil despite injury, she lifted 152 kg in the clean & jerk and secured a 272 kg total, earning two gold medals. Fans waved Norwegian flags, chanted her name, and celebrated their hero’s emotional victory.

• Other unforgettable lifts came from Wang Hao (China), who impressed with perfect technique in the men’s 60 kg division, and Vanessa Segura Grueso (Bahrain), who set new personal bests in both lifts in the women’s 69 kg class.

Across every category, the message was clear: the standard keeps rising. Each barbell lifted in Førde represented years of work, sacrifice, and belief. This year, those efforts produced history.

Emerging Powerhouses in Weightlifting

Beyond the record holders, the 2025 World Championships revealed a new generation of lifters ready to redefine the sport. These rising athletes didn’t just compete — they inspired.

• Nina Sterckx (Belgium) made a huge impression in the women’s 59 kg class. The young European lifter displayed a blend of speed and control that had the audience on their feet. Her near-perfect 103 kg snatch and confident 126 kg clean & jerk gave her a new personal best and a spot in the top five. Her technical polish and composure under pressure show she’s on track to become Europe’s next major medal contender.
• Joksor Albornoz (Venezuela) continued to build on his breakout year with a standout performance in the men’s 89 kg category. He thrilled fans with a bold 218 kg attempt that showed both power and confidence. His fearless lifting style and consistency on the big stage marked him as one of South America’s most promising talents. Venezuela’s weightlifting program has grown rapidly, and Albornoz looks set to lead its next wave of stars.
• Emma McCune (USA) made waves in the women’s 71 kg division. Competing in her first senior world championship, she went six-for-six with impressive control and technical precision. Her calm focus on stage and ability to deliver under bright lights earned praise from coaches and commentators alike. She represents the strength of the new generation of American weightlifting — dedicated, smart, and fearless.
• Tenishia Thornton (Malta) rounded out the list of standout performers. Competing in the women’s 64 kg category, she showed exceptional promise with sharp technique and unshakable confidence. Still early in her career, Thornton’s discipline and poise on the platform have already earned her respect across Europe. Her performance in Førde proved she’s not just a national hero — she’s a genuine international contender.