Heartbreaking Weightlifter Aniq Just 1kg Shy Of Podium

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Missing out on the podium by just 1kg was heartbreaking for national weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan who finished fourth in the men’s 61kg weightlifting category at the Paris 2024 Olympics yesterday.
Speaking to Bernama, Aniq (above) said he attempted to secure a medal with a 174kg lift in his second and third clean and jerk attempts but was unsuccessful.
“I tried to lift more than I have ever done before (172kg in training) but didn’t succeed. If I had managed the 174kg lift, I could have won a silver medal and set a new national record (for clean and jerk).
“I have to return in disappointment, but at the same time, I gained a new experience. I am satisfied with my snatch lifts because I overcame my fear to set a new record,” he said at South Paris Arena 6.
Aniq, who will compete in the 2024 Commonwealth Championships in Fiji from Sept 17 to 24, vowed to continue performing well to bring home medals in future competitions.
At the event yesterday, Aniq set a national record with a total lift of 297kg, surpassing his previous national record by 1kg.
In the snatch event, Aniq broke the national record of 129kg held by Muhamad Aznil Bidin by lifting 130kg. However, he only managed a 167kg lift in the clean and jerk.
Aniq also holds the national record for clean and jerk at 170kg.
Li Fabin of China defended his gold with a total lift of 310kg (143kg, 167kg), while silver went to Theerapong Silachai of Thailand with a total of 303kg (132kg, 171kg) and bronze to Hampton Morris of the United States with a total of 298kg (126kg, 172kg).
Team manager Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim said they decided to attempt 174kg because Morris, the world record holder (176kg), was capable of surpassing Aniq for a medal.
“However, I am very satisfied because Aniq is still young. This is a new category for him after only switching from the 55kg category just a year ago. If nurtured properly, he can perform even better.
“We just hope he will be more consistent in future major games and championships,” he said. - Mkini

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