Chen win’s China’s 3rd gold in weightlifting

Chen Yanqing easily defended her Olympic gold medal in the women's 58-kilogram category on Monday, winning China's third weightlifting gold medal and breaking two Olympic records.

Chen Yanqing easily defended her Olympic gold medal in the women’s 58-kilogram category on Monday, winning China’s third weightlifting gold medal and breaking two Olympic records.

Maria Shainova of Russia was a distant second, and North Korea’s O Jong Ae sneaked into third place with her final lift in a close race for the other medals.

Chen lifted a total of 244 kilograms (537.9 pounds) shattering her previous Olympic record from four years ago by 7 kgs (15.4 pounds).

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She lifted 106 kilograms (233.7 pounds) in the snatch and 138 kgs (304.2 pounds) in the clean jerk — another Olympic high score.

The Olympic host nation is off to a perfect start in the weightlifting competition, with three gold medals in three attempts.

Chen Xiexia won the women’s 53-kg competition on Saturday and 17-year-old Long Qingquan followed up with a second gold on Sunday in the men’s 56-kg category.

Chen Yanqing’s win was the most one-sided yet.

She barely broke a sweat in her three attempts in the snatch, finishing with what looked like an effortless 106-kg (233.7 pound) lift.

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In the clean and jerk she equaled the record of 130 kgs (286.6 pounds) in her first attempt, added 2 kgs (4.4 pounds) for her second lift and set off loud cheers in the crowd by lifting 138 kgs (304.2 pounds) in the third.

Thailand’s Wandee Kameaim was edged out of silver position by Shainova and then lost the bronze to O, who pulled off a 131 kg (288.8 pound) clean and jerk in her final attempt.