Glory on the Fjords: Olivia Reeves Dominates the Women’s 77 kg at the 2025 IWF World Championships

Championship Context

The 2025 IWF World Championships in Førde, Norway became a true festival of strength and emotion. More than a contest of kilos, it was a duel of precision, power, and championship nerve that had the crowd in Førde on their feet from the first snatch to the final clean & jerk. 

Though a small host city, Førde offered an atmosphere worthy of the sport’s grandest stage. Inside the Førdehuset Arena, fans from every continent waved flags, chanted names, and celebrated the IWF’s 120th anniversary, as the 77 kg women pushed the limits of a new era – chasing the world standards of 122 kg in snatch and 154 kg in clean & jerk.

Meet the Athletes

Olivia Lynn Reeves (USA) – Olympic champion, multiple-time world medalist, and the face of U.S. weightlifting. Known for her explosive power and composure, Reeves came into Førde with personal bests of 123 kg in the snatch and 155 kg in the clean and jerk – exactly the numbers matching the new world standards. 

Sara Samir Ahmed (EGY) – Egypt’s pride and one of the most decorated lifters in African history, Sara Ahmed returned to the 77 kg class looking lean, fierce, and technically sharp. A former Olympic medalist and multiple world champion.

Maria Sánchez Periñán (COL) – Colombia’s golden standard in women’s weightlifting. After taking silver in Paris 2024 (71 kg), Sánchez moved up in weight, bringing her smooth technique and signature intensity.

Martha Ann Rogers (USA) – A veteran world medalist and Pan-American champion. Martha Ann Rogers stands as one of the most consistent and respected figures in women’s weightlifting. 

Anna J. Ylisoine (FIN) – Finland’s young powerhouse, once a national powerlifting champion, now turning heads on the world platform.

Iryna Dombrovska (UKR) – Ukrainian debutant and technical prodigy with a 103 kg double in training, coached by a family of lifters.

Aremi Fuentes Zavala (MEX) – Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, always a crowd favorite for her grit.

Bela Paredes Arreaga (ECU) – Known for her elegant snatch and cool composure under pressure.

Yekta Jamali Galeh (WRT) – Representing the Refugee Team, symbol of perseverance.

Jessica Jarquin Gonzalez (MEX) – Mexico’s rising star, delivering a strong performance after an impressive B-session earlier in the week.

The Snatch

The snatch session opened with confidence and precision – every lifter starting above 100 kg, underlining just how stacked this 77 kg field was in Førde.

Yekta Jamali Galeh was first to command the stage, opening cleanly at 102 kg before following up with smooth lifts at 106 and 108 kg. Aremi Fuentes Zavala lifted next, nailing her 103 kg opener but narrowly missing 106 twice, showing determination despite the misses. Jessica Jarquin Gonzalez found early rhythm with 101 and 104 kg before falling short on her final attempt at 106.

Anna Ylisoine, just 19 years old, impressed with a composed and confident series – 105, 108, and 111 kg – all three good lifts, matching her lifetime best. Her third lift, caught deep and held steady, drew a strong cheer from the crowd, signaling the rise of a new European contender.

Iryna Dombrovska showed courage and persistence on the platform. She missed her opening attempt at 105 kg, regrouped with focus, and came back to make the same weight solidly on her second lift. Her final attempt at 108 kg was strong in the pull but slightly out of position in the catch, leaving her with 105 kg.  Bela Paredes Arreaga matched that mark with an elegant 105 kg opener, though two close misses at 110 and 111 kept her from climbing higher. 

Martha Ann Rogers, one of the most seasoned lifters in the field, opened confidently at 107 kg with her trademark stability and control. However, two narrow misses at 110 kg and 111 kg kept her below her usual standard.

Then came the top contenders, and the energy in the hall shifted.

Maria Fernanda Sánchez Periñán matched that same progression – 106, 110, and 112 kg – all smooth, confident lifts. Although she lifted 112 kg after Ahmed, she ultimately took bronze in the snatch. Her flawless rhythm and composure under pressure showcased the refined artistry that defines Colombia’s weightlifting tradition.

Sara Samir Ahmed, the veteran powerhouse, opened confidently at 110 kg and followed with 112 kg. Her third at 115 kg showed huge power off the floor but drifted slightly forward, leaving her with 112 kg for a strong second place.

Finally, all eyes turned to Olivia Lynn Reeves. Opening at 114 kg, she looked completely in command – quick under the bar and rock-solid overhead. Her second at 119 kg drew a roar from the crowd, but it was her final attempt at 123 kg – the new world standard – that brought the arena to its feet. 

Reeves powered through the lift with textbook precision, standing tall and smiling as the lights flashed three whites. It was a world record – equaling snatch, and a statement that the reigning world champion was untouchable.

Snatch Medalists

🥇 Reeves Olivia Lynn (USA) – 123 kg (World Record)
🥈 Ahmed Sara Samir (EGY) – 112 kg
🥉 Sánchez Periñán Maria (COL) – 112 kg

The Clean & Jerk

The tension rose in the clean & jerk, as each lifter sought to build a total or chase medals.

Yekta Jamali opened confidently at 125 kg, finishing with 130 kg and a strong 238 kg total – a personal milestone on the world stage.
Iryna Dombrovska went three-for-three (124–128–131) to secure a solid 236 kg total and her best international showing yet.

Bela Paredes Arreaga had a challenging session, unable to complete any of her three snatch attempts. Despite the disappointment, her focus and determination on the platform earned respect from the crowd.

Fuentes Zavala matched her Tokyo fighting spirit, hitting 132 kg but narrowly missing 135 kg, finishing with 235 kg total.
Anna Ylisoine, still a junior, pushed to 134 kg to hit 245 kg total – good enough for sixth overall and a breakthrough international result.

Jessica Jarquin Gonzalez carried her steady form into the clean & jerk, delivering an impressive three-for-three performance with 128, 132, and 135 kg. Each lift was executed with excellent timing and control, the final 135 kg setting a new personal best.

Martha Ann Rogers displayed her trademark heart and veteran grit. After a rough snatch session, she returned to the platform determined and focused, hitting 135 kg and then 140 kg with solid execution. Her final attempt at the same weight slipped slightly in the jerk recovery, but the earlier success secured her bronze in the clean & jerk, a well-earned reward for her perseverance and technical mastery.

Maria Sánchez continued her rhythm, jerking 136 kg smoothly to move into third place with 248 kg total.

Then came the two giants once again – Ahmed and Reeves.

Sara Samir Ahmed opened strong at 140 kg, executing the lift with her trademark precision and calm focus. She then pushed for 147 kg and 150 kg in bold attempts to challenge Reeves, but both proved just out of reach. With 140 kg as her best lift, she claimed silver in the clean & jerk, once again showing her trademark power and composure under pressure.

Olivia Reeves returned to the platform composed, calm, and completely in control. She missed her opening attempt at 146 kg but came back moments later to make the same weight look effortless – sharp clean, confident jerk, three white lights. For her final attempt, 155 kg was loaded – the new world standard. 155 kg stood, and so did she – a commanding finish and a 278 kg total, equalling all three world standards in one flawless championship performance.

Clean & Jerk Medalists:

🥇 Reeves Olivia Lynn (USA) – 155 kg (World Record)
🥈 Ahmed Sara Samir (EGY) – 140 kg
🥉 Sánchez Periñán Maria (COL) – 136 kg

Total Results and Medal Recap

Records & Highlights

World Standards Matched: Olivia Reeves’ lifts of 123 kg in the snatch, 155 kg in the clean & jerk, and 278 kg in total equaled all three IWF World Record Standards, establishing her as the de facto record holder pending official ratification.

Sara Ahmed’s Consistency: Back under 77 kg bodyweight, Ahmed looked powerful and disciplined –  her 252 total is the highest ever by an Egyptian woman at this class.

Maria Sánchez’s Bronze: Colombia continues to show its rise in women’s lifting, with Sánchez proving her reliability across classes.

Breakthroughs: Anna Ylisoine and Iryna Dombrovska both achieved lifetime bests on their world championship debuts.

Closing Thoughts

The women’s 77 kg class in Førde will be remembered as the session of balance between strength and spirit. Reeves proved unstoppable, matching the heaviest lifts ever done in this weight category and reinforcing her status as the sport’s new global icon.

Sara Ahmed showcased endurance and leadership, while Maria Sánchez continued her streak of reliability. Together, they gave the world a glimpse of the future of women’s weightlifting – dynamic, powerful, and fearless.

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