Meniscus Surgery Sidelines Rebeka Ibrahima Before Worlds Weightlifting Championship 2025
Author:
The Road To Førde
The 2025 IWF World Weightlifting Championships are set for Førde, Norway on October 2 to 11. Final training blocks are peaking, entry lists are taking shape, and every healthy start matters.
One name we now will not see in Førde is Rebeka Ibrahim.
On her Instagram story, Ibrahim announced meniscus injuries in both knees. She underwent surgery on the right knee and plans to operate on the left after recovery. Her message was calm and determined: no Worlds this year, but she intends to be back on stage soon.
About The Athlete
Known to many fans by her former name, Rebeka Koha, Ibrahima is one of Latvia’s most recognizable lifters and a perennial crowd favorite for her precision and speed. Her return to international competition had been one of the stories to watch this season.
“Hello there! Have some news for you: I got my meniscus injured unfortunately in both of my knees. Today we did the surgery on my right one and once this feels better inshaAllah will do the other!
So that’s a no World championships for me this year but I’m holding up strong and you will see me back on the stage soon! InshaAllah 🙌🏼
Alhamdulillah for everything and thanks to my family for the support ❤️”
The update from the hospital, shows crutches by the bed and a name on it “Rebeka Ibrahima” In her words, “we did the surgery on my right one [knee – editors] and once this feels better will do the other.” She thanked her family for support and promised a comeback.
What This Means For Her Category
Ibrahima has historically performed around the 59 kg class, a division stacked with star power. Even before today, the likely frontrunners at Worlds included KIM Il Gyong, with KUO Hsing-Chun eyeing another big-stage push. Thailand’s Suratwadee Yodsarn and Vietnam’s Quang Thi Tam have also been trending up.
Without Ibrahim, the podium battle tightens among that group. Expect aggressive snatch attempts to force separation, then a high-stakes clean and jerk shootout. If KUO brings classic efficiency and KIM arrives healthy, the bar will climb fast.
Final Thoughts
Double meniscus surgery is a tough detour, yet it is also a well-mapped road back for disciplined athletes. The priority now is healing and returning with the same crisp timing that made Ibrahima a standout.
From all Torokhtiy Team and everyone in the weightlifting community, best wishes for a smooth rehab. We will be ready when she is ready.
About Torokhtiy Weightlifting Media
Our media team will be on the ground in Førde to cover the 2025 World Championships: training hall lifts, attempt cards, and inside stories you actually care about. Tell us in the comments what you want covered most, from specific athletes to behind-the-scenes routines.
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Author: Hladkova Vladyslava
Media Team Member
Best Results: Snatch – 57 kg,
C&J – 73 kg
I’m Vladyslava, and sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the past 10 years, I’ve explored it all – from CrossFit and powerlifting to running a half marathon. But my true passion found its home in Olympic weightlifting.
I’m proud to be a Ukrainian Weightlifting Champion (2018) and a prize winner of national championships in 2018–2019. My best lifts? A 57 kg snatch and a 73 kg clean & jerk in the 51 kg weight class. I’m also a Candidate for Master of Sports in weightlifting – and I’m still chasing new goals every day.
Beyond training, I’ve earned two Master’s degrees: one in Sport Management and another in Physical Education. Whether I’m lifting a barbell or helping others grow in sport, I’m all in – because for me, sport isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.