Rahmat Erwin Abdullah made a name for himself in the 73-kilogram weight class by winning the 2021 and 2022 World Championships. However, instead of defending his titles at the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships, Rahmat decided to move up to the 81-kilogram weight class. He was once again in contention for the title, but ultimately finished in second place. Luckily, he was successful in what seemed to be his primary goal, which was setting a new 209-kilogram (460.8-pound) Clean & Jerk World Record.
Rahmat Erwin Abdullah opened up with a weight he knew he was capable of lifting with ease, which came out to 190 kilograms (418.9 pounds). He then jumped up to 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds) for the second attempt, making it look as smooth as the first one. Finally, with the aim of setting a new Clean & Jerk World Record, Rahmat loaded 209 kilograms (460.8 kilograms) on the barbell. He then got the bar up to his shoulders in a blink of an eye and split jerked it above his head.
The reason why Rahmat Erwin Abdullah’s new Clean & Jerk World Record is so impressive is because it previously belonged to the wonderboy, Karlos Nasar. The Bulgarian weightlifter locked out 208 kilograms (458.6 pounds) at the 2021 World Weightlifting Championships to set the old record.
Watch the Clean & Jerk here:
Rahmat Erwin Abdullah’s Full Performance
Rahmat Erwin Abdullah only completed one snatch, after which he decided not to even attempt the remaining two. So, judging by this approach, it seems that he wanted to preserve the energy for the Clean & Jerk World Record attempt. So, it seems that it was his goal from the start of the competition.
Snatch
- 145 kilograms (319.7 pounds)
- Did Not Attempt
- Did Not Attempt
Clean & Jerk
- 190 kilograms (418.9 pounds)
- 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
- 209 kilograms (460.8 pounds) — U81KG World Record
Total — 354 kilograms (780.4 pounds)
2023 World Weightlifting Championships — U81KG Podium (Per Total)
Rahmat Erwin Abdullah fell just two kilograms short of Oscar Reyes, who ended up taking the title. So, if Rahmat had performed the two snatch attempts that he decided to skip, the title could have very likely gone to him.
- Oscar Reyes (ITA) — 356 kilograms (784.8 pounds)
- Rahmat Erwin Abdullah (INA) — 354 kilograms (780.4 pounds)
- Mukhammadkodir Toshtemirov (UZB) — 352 kilograms (776 pounds)
Rahmat Erwin Abdullah has now added another World Record to his already stacked resume, as he has claimed some major titles in the past. These include 3x South East Asian Games, 2x Asian Junior Championships, and the 2023 IWF Grand Prix Havana. In addition, it is also important to mention that Rahmat won a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.