The United States took home its first weightlifting medal since 2000 last night.
Superhero Sarah Robles received a bronze medal for lifting 126 kilograms (about 278 pounds) in the snatch and 160 kilograms (about 353 pounds) in the clean and jerk, totaling 286 kilograms (about 631 pounds).
The 28-year-old Olympian was thrilled and emotional to receive the honor (unlike Kim Kuk-hyang of North Korea, who looks devastated to only have won the silver medal).
Meng Suping of China took home the gold.
Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
“This means a lot, to be on the podium and give exposure to our sport at a time when it’s already growing,” Robles told Reuters.
“It’s good not just for me, but for women of size, for women who want to get up off the couch and do something different.”
Robles’ journey to the Olympics was not easy – in between the 2012 and 2016 games, she faced a two-year suspension for steroid use.
According to Reuters, Robles said her ban was, “the result of unknowingly taking an over-the-counter supplement that contained a banned substance.”
Despite her suspension, she continued to train and work toward her Olympic dreams. “I know I’m a good and honest person and if I put hard work in I would be able to reach my goals.”
Image: Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Robles’ inspirational finish goes even further – she is a medal-winning Olympian despite having Madelung’s deformity, which causes wrist pain when she lifts.
She is Mexican-American, and she hopes her success will help inspire Latino youth to set Olympic goals.
“My Latino Olympic pals and I hope to inspire the next generation of Hispanic kids to go into the streets, to play and try to become Olympic athletes,” she told Fox News Latino.
Congratulations, Sarah!
