Women’s 58 kg Recap – 2025 IWF World Championships, Førde

Context: The Return of the 58 kg Class

Under the bright lights of Førde’s Fordehuset arena, the Women’s 58 kg category took center stage at the 2025 IWF World Championships – part of the federation’s 120th anniversary celebration.

After the thrilling 53 kg session earlier in the week, the 58s brought a different kind of tension – a class loaded with champions, debutants, and comebacks: Olympic icon Kuo Hsing-Chun, the fiery Nigerian Rafiatu Lawal, and America’s fast-rising Miranda Eleanor Ulrey all stood ready to challenge for the crown.

Ten lifters formed this Group A final, representing the best of Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe – each bringing their own story, their own hopes of lifting history in the land of Vikings.

Meet the Athletes

Rafiatu Lawal (NGR) – The African champion and Commonwealth Games legend, Lawal’s aggressive tempo and fearless attitude have made her one of the most electrifying lifters from the continent.

Kuo Hsing-Chun (TPE) – Olympic champion, five-time world medalist, and the pride of Chinese Taipei. Now in the later stages of her career, she remains one of the sport’s purest technicians.

Long Tanzhen (CHN) – A debutant from China’s next generation. Calm and confident, her training lifts hinted at snatches in the mid-90s – a number she proved capable of hitting when it mattered.

Miranda Eleanor Ulrey (USA) – The 21-year-old sensation, Pan American and Junior World Champion, now stepping into the senior elite stage. Her crisp pulling mechanics and fearless approach caught the eye of commentators and fans alike.

Natasya Beteyob (INA) – A seasoned Indonesian international, steady and consistent, her clean & jerk often placing her in podium contention.

Garance Rigaud (FRA) – European champion and a technical perfectionist, though sometimes plagued by narrow misses on heavy attempts.

Olha Ivzhenko (UKR) – Ukrainian bronze medalist at the 2024 Europeans, coached by her father, known for her fiery focus and resilience.

Tang Yuxuan (CHN) – The youngest competitor of the session at just 18, also from China’s junior ranks, making her senior debut.

Suratwadee Yodsarn (THA) – The Thai veteran, adored by fans for her spirit, though inconsistency in recent seasons had left her chasing redemption.

The Snatch Session

China’s Tang Yuxuan was first to show promise, nailing her opener at 86 kg and climbing steadily to 91 kg for a perfect 3-for-3 start. One of the most polished juniors’ debut at Worlds.

Then came Long Tanzhen, the second Chinese athlete, opening confidently at 93 kg and matching it with another good lift at 96 kg.

Ulrey Miranda Eleanor opened confidently at 96 kg and followed with a strong 98 kg. She missed 100 kg on her final attempt but remained composed and secured the bronze medal in the snatch.

Elsewhere, Garance Rigaud of France looked strong but slightly off-timing, managing 93 kg – one kilo below her European best – while Ivzhenko of Ukraine and Beteyob of Indonesia each lifted solid 93 kg totals to stay in contention.

As the barbell crossed into triple digits, the arena’s energy surged.

Rafiatu Lawal of Nigeria — lifting with signature explosiveness — hit 99 and 101 kg before narrowly missing 104 on her third attempt. 

Then came the legend, Kuo Hsing-Chun, precise as ever. After securing 94 and 96 kg, she faltered at 98, the bar slipping just behind. A small grin crossed her face — she knew she was close.

Snatch Medalists

 🥇 Kim Il Gyong – 104 kg
🥈 Rafiatu Lawal (NGR) – 101 kg
🥉 Kuo Hsing-Chun (TPE) – 96 kg

Clean & Jerk Session

China’s Tang Yuxuan was first to strike again, hitting 117 kg cleanly for her opener and matching it on her second. 

Ivzhenko (UKR) and Rigaud (FRA) followed, landing 116 and 118 kg respectively, both showing technical finesse but not quite the power to challenge the leaders.

Then came Beteyob (INA), whose 121 kg lift sent Indonesian fans into cheers. It was a textbook clean and strong jerk recovery – good enough to place her temporarily in third overall.

The main duel, however, was just beginning.

Miranda Ulrey (USA) opened at 117 kg, making it smoothly for her only successful clean & jerk. She missed her following attempts but still finished with a solid performance, confirming her potential as one of America’s emerging lifters.

Rafiatu Lawal answered with precision – 126, then 128 kg – but missed 133 kg in a bold attempt to chase gold. She finished with 229 kg total, earning silver.

Kuo Hsing-Chun closed the competition with a smooth 128 kg, rounding her day at 224 kg total for bronze – still proving her enduring mastery of technique.

Clean & Jerk Medalists

🥇 Kim Il Gyong – 132 kg
🥈 Rafiatu Lawal (NGR) – 128 kg
🥉 Kuo Hsing-Chun (TPE) – 128 kg

Total Results and Final Standings

Records and Highlights

The junior performances from China – Tang Yuxuan and Long Tanzhen – impressed coaches across the field. Both lifters went 4/6 and displayed composure far beyond their years.

Lawal’s fiery celebration: Her 128 kg clean & jerk sent a wave of cheers through the arena — a moment of pure emotion.

Kuo’s farewell flourish: Still technically unmatched, the Taiwanese veteran left the stage smiling — graceful as ever.

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