Taiwan’s Yang Sen Wins Gold, Breaks World Record at Reykjavik Powerlifting Championships
Reykjavik, Iceland — Taiwanese powerlifter Yang Sen (楊森) delivered a spectacular performance at the World Equipped Open Powerlifting Championships in Reykjavik, Iceland, on Friday, taking home two gold medals and setting a new world record in the process.
Competing in the men’s 120-kilogram category, Yang not only clinched the gold in the squat lift but also shattered the world record with a remarkable lift of 453 kilograms. His outstanding total lift of 1,098 kilograms also earned him a second gold medal, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
In addition to his golds, Yang secured a bronze medal in the bench press event with a lift of 325 kilograms.
Breaking Records and Taking Home Medals
Yang’s performance was nothing short of historic. His squat lift of 453 kg broke the previous world record, adding to his already impressive track record. This is Yang’s second time breaking the world record for the squat lift, having previously done so at the 2022 World Games, where he earned a silver medal.
The total lift of 1,098 kg, which combines his lifts in the squat, bench press, and deadlift categories, secured him his second gold of the day. Yang’s combined deadlift of 320 kg was another strong showing, despite not being at his usual training level for this lift.
Coach’s Analysis: Areas for Improvement
In an interview with CNA, Yang’s coach, Hsu Siao-li (許小莉), reflected on Yang’s performance and pointed out some areas that need fine-tuning. According to Hsu, while Yang excelled in his squat and total lifts, his performance in the deadlift and bench press was slightly below his usual training level. Specifically, Hsu noted a few minor errors in the bench press event, which cost Yang a perfect performance.
“Although Yang’s performance in the deadlift wasn’t up to his usual standards, we are incredibly proud of his results. We will reassess his training and make the necessary adjustments as we prepare for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China,” Hsu said. The coach also indicated that their primary goal would be to secure the gold medal in the upcoming World Games.
Lin Hsiang-chu’s Strong Showing
While Yang was the star of the competition, Lin Hsiang-chu (林湘筑) also made her mark at the World Championships. Competing in the women’s 76 kg category, Lin lifted an impressive 222.5 kilograms in the deadlift, securing her a bronze medal. Lin’s performance added to Taiwan’s growing presence in international powerlifting events, highlighting the country’s strength in the sport.
Medal Count for Taiwan
| Athlete | Category | Lift | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yang Sen | Men’s 120 kg | Squat: 453 kg | Gold (Squat) |
| Total: 1,098 kg | Gold (Total Lift) | ||
| Bench Press: 325 kg | Bronze (Bench Press) | ||
| Lin Hsiang-chu | Women’s 76 kg | Deadlift: 222.5 kg | Bronze (Deadlift) |
What’s Next for Taiwan’s Powerlifting Stars?
Following their remarkable performances at the Reykjavik Championships, both Yang Sen and Lin Hsiang-chu will now set their sights on the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. For Yang, the goal is clear: to take home gold after his near-perfect performance at the world championships.
Lin, too, will aim to build on her momentum from the bronze medal and continue her journey toward even greater achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What records did Yang Sen break at the Reykjavik Championships?
A1: Yang Sen broke the world record in the squat lift with a performance of 453 kilograms and also achieved a total lift of 1,098 kg, earning two gold medals in the process.
Q2: How did Yang Sen perform in the bench press and deadlift?
A2: Yang won a bronze medal in the bench press with a lift of 325 kilograms and performed a deadlift of 320 kilograms, which was slightly below his usual training standard.
Q3: What are Yang Sen’s goals for the upcoming 2025 World Games?
A3: Yang’s coach, Hsu Siao-li, mentioned that the team would focus on improving his performance in the deadlift and bench press to ensure that Yang can compete for the gold medal at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.
Q4: How did Lin Hsiang-chu perform at the World Championships?
A4: Lin Hsiang-chu earned a bronze medal in the women’s 76 kg category, lifting an impressive 222.5 kilograms in the deadlift.
Q5: What is the significance of these achievements for Taiwanese powerlifting?
A5: These performances underscore Taiwan’s growing strength in the sport of powerlifting, with Yang Sen and Lin Hsiang-chu showing excellent results on the world stage.
