Yudelina Mejía Makes History for the Dominican Republic in Weightlifting World Championships
Dominican weightlifter Yudelina Mejía has made history in Dominican sports by winning the first gold medal for the Dominican Republic in a Senior World Weightlifting Championship. The outstanding athlete achieved this feat in the 86-kilogram category during the event held in Norway. The native of San Pedro de Macorís was crowned world champion after lifting 122 kilograms in her third attempt in the snatch event, which secured her the gold medal. Her performance was even more impressive by obtaining the silver medal in the total (271 kg) and the bronze in the clean and jerk (149 kg), becoming the first Dominican weightlifter to win three medals in the same World Championship.The competition was intense. Eila Amena Koanda, from Norway, won gold in the snatch (153 kg) and in the total (272 kg), while Mejía was very close to matching her mark.Abdelrazek Elsayed Rahma, from Egypt, completed the podium in the snatch with 115 kg, and Eileen Floanna Cikamatana, from Australia, obtained bronze in the clean and jerk and total, with marks of 140 and 252 kg. With this performance, Mejía surpasses the best previous result of a Dominican weightlifter in world championships, a mark that belonged to Crismery Santana, who obtained a silver and a bronze. In addition, she joins Yuderqui Contreras, Wanda Rijo, and Rosailiz Santana as Dominican medalists in weightlifting. The Dominican team in Norway also includes Dahiana Ortiz and Fransheska Matías, along with coaches Héctor Domínguez and Oswaldo Pinilla.This is a dream moment. It is the result of many years of work, sacrifice, and faith. Taking the Dominican flag to the top of the podium is an indescribable pride.
Yudelina Mejía
