While the US possesses a lot of incredible athletes in the sport of weightlifting, Olivia Reeves stands out as the biggest talent and fan favorite. She is still a Junior athlete due to her age of 20-years-old, but is already competing against older women. Olivia is quickly climbing the ranks of the Open age class, while dominating the Junior scene at the same time. So, when she appeared in the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships, Olivia claimed a bronze medal, but also set new Clean & Jerk and Total U71KG Junior World Records.
Olivia Reeves’ career has been on an uphill trajectory for the past few years, as she is quickly becoming USA’s most valuable asset. This has been proven by her recent Clean & Jerk of 142 kilograms (313 pounds), which now sits as the U71KG Junior World Record. She earned this status by outperforming Sara Ahmed’s previous Junior World Record by exactly 1-kilogram (2.2 pounds).
Interestingly, Olivia Reeves’ new U71KG Total World Record of 253 kilograms (557.8 pounds) is also exactly 1-kilogram (2.2 pounds) heavier than the old record, which was in possession of Sara Ahmed as well.
Watch the Clean & Jerk here:
Olivia Reeves’ Full Performance
Olivia Reeves perfectly executed her plan of lifts, as all six of her attempts, in the snatch and clean & jerk combined, turned out to be successful. This is exactly what she needed to set two new Junior World Records, as any mistake could have ruined her chances of doing so. In addition, her Clean & Jerk and Total also marked new Junior and Senior American National Records.
Snatch
- 105 kilograms (231.5 pounds)
- 108 kilograms (238 pounds)
- 111 kilograms (244.7 pounds)
Clean & Jerk
- 133 kilograms (293.2 pounds)
- 138 kilograms (304.2 pounds)
- 142 kilograms (313 pounds) — U71KG Junior World Record
Total — 253 kilograms (557.8 pounds) — U71KG Junior World Record
2023 World Weightlifting Championships — U71KG Podium (Per Total)
It is important to note that Olivia Reeves finished only behind two women who are older than her. Moreover, Olivia outperformed one of USA’s iconic weightlifters, Katherine Vibert, by 9 kilograms (19.8 pounds). So, she left no doubt about who the nation’s number one athlete in the 71-kilogram weight class is currently.
- Liao Guifang (CHN) — 273 kilograms (601.9 pounds)
- Angie Palacios (ECU) — 255 kilograms (562.2 pounds)
- Olivia Reeves (USA) — 253 kilograms (557.8 pounds)
Watch Olivia’s snatch here:
Related: Weightlifter Olivia Reeves (71KG) Clean & Jerks 138-kg (304.2-lb) For a New American Record
Olivia Reeves’ greatest achievement so far has been winning the 2021 Junior World Championships, but her two new Junior World Records might have meant even more to her. In addition, with the way that she is improving each year, Olivia seems to be on track to challenge China’s Liao Guifang at the 2024 Olympic Games. This would be the ideal scenario, as it would provide us with an incredible rivalry and more great performances.
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