Chen wins China's 3rd gold in weightlifting

[August 11, 2008]  BEIJING (AP) -- Chen Yanqing has easily defended her Olympic gold medal in the women's 58-kilogram category, winning China's third weightlifting gold medal and breaking two Olympic records.

Maria Shainova of Russia was second and North Korea's O Jong Ae got the bronze.

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

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

China continued to dominate weightlifting after Chen Xiexia won the women's 53-kilogram competition on Saturday and 17-year-old Long Qingquan followed up with a second gold on Sunday in the men's 56-kilogram category.

[Associated Press]

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