Latvian weightlifter Ritvars Suharevs wins gold at the World Junior Championship

The Latvian weightlifter lifted 152 and 156 kilograms in snatch, but failed to lift 162 kilograms, his previous record. The score, however, was enough to secure him a small gold medal in this discipline. In clean and jerk, on the other hand, Suharevs managed to lift 183, 190, and 195 kilograms, scoring high enough for a small silver medal.

Columbian weightlifter Juan Felipe Solis Arboleda, who lifted an overall of 350 kilograms (155+195), won silver, while Iranian Hussein Soltani, lifting an overall 345 kilograms (154+191), won bronze. Both medalists had an opportunity to outscore Suharevs, but failed to lift the 198 kilogram barbell.

In 2017 Suharevs became the European Junior Champion, having twice previously won silver.

Last year, Suharevs became the World Champion competing in the 77 kilogram category, won silver at the European Junior Championship, and finished fourth at the European Championship, competing outside his age category. This year, he won silver in the European Championship, again outside his age category.