China’s weightlifting superstar Shi Zhiyong is eyeing history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming to become the first male lifter to win three consecutive gold medals—but this time, the road to glory is steeper than ever. 🌟 Known for his iconic ‘Who wants to challenge me!’ roar after smashing a world record in Tokyo, Shi now faces his toughest opponents yet: age, injuries, and a new generation of rivals.
At 30, the veteran athlete has battled persistent injuries that disrupted his training since his 2021 victory. His absence from major competitions left fans wondering: Can he reclaim his throne? The answer got murkier in April 2024, when Indonesia’s Rizki Juniansyah dethroned Shi at the World Cup in Thailand, breaking his 364kg total lift record. 🏋️♂️🔥
Yet, Shi’s legacy as a two-time Olympic champion and relentless competitor keeps hope alive. ‘This isn’t just about strength—it’s about heart,’ says a teammate. With Paris looming, all eyes are on whether the legend can defy the odds one more time. 🤞
