Why the fate of weightlifting remains uncertain for 2024 Paris Olympics
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Controversies and internal issues in its governing body put the sport's fate hanging in the balance.
Hidilyn Diaz's inspiring gold medal victory at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics put the sights of Filipino sports officials and fans on weightlifting.
Prior to Hidilyn's win, which ended the country's 97-year Olympic gold medal drought, weightlifting was not as popular as basketball, volleyball, or boxing beyond grassroots level.
Hidilyn's win is expected to change all that.
However, weightlifting, and just as when it is gaining steam in the country, may not be included in the sporting events for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) continues to be hounded with doping cover-ups and leadership issues.
Longtime IWF president Tamás Aján resigned last year because of these issues, which also included allegations of corruption over missing money amounting to millions.
An investigation conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency investigator Richard McLaren confirmed these suspicions.
“We found systematic governance failures and corruption at the highest level of the IWF,” McLaren said in June 2020.
“We found systematic governance failures and corruption at the highest level of the IWF,” added McLaren.
Watching closely, of course, is the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC reportedly directed the IWF to revamp its constitution and implement amendments to its doping rules.
As it stands, IWF officials are scheduled to meet on August 28 and 29 in Doha, Qatar to discuss and vote on the recommended amendments set by the IOC.
Hidilyn, for her part, expressed uncertainty on whether she'll be competing in Paris not because of the ongoing politics, which she didn't mention, but rather on her physical capabilities by that time.
“Natatakot ako for Paris 2024 pero tinitingnan ko kasi 'yung Paris, 'yung quota ng weightlifting is 120 lang, baka mahirap po 'yung qualifying,” Hidilyn said during a press conference on July 27.
“Pero kung 'yung lakas ko ay nandoon, itutuloy ko iyon.”
In the meantime, take a look back at Hidilyn Diaz's winning moments in this gallery.
