Born: 1979
Ding Meiyuan (Chinese: 丁美媛; pinyin: Dīng Měiyuan) is a Chinese weightlifter. She was born on February 27, 1979. Ding has been involved in various sports since childhood and started weightlifting in 1991 at the age of 12 at a sports school in Dalian. After her first successes in the youth sector, she was called up to the provincial team and later to the national team of China.
With a height of 1.68 m, Ding weighs approximately 110 kg, making her a formidable competitor in her weight class. She made her first international appearance at the age of 18 at the Junior World Championships in Cape Town, marking the beginning of her successful journey in weightlifting.
Ding’s greatest achievement came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she secured an Olympic victory in the weight class over 75 kg body weight. Her exceptional strength and technique propelled her to the top of the podium, earning her a gold medal and international recognition.
Throughout her career, Ding has showcased her skills and determination, earning accolades along the way. In 2003, she won the World Championship title in Vancouver, further solidifying her status as one of the best weightlifters in the world.
Despite achieving a world best of the year with a lift of 305 kg at a competition in Suzhou in 2004, Ding was not selected to represent China at the Olympic Games that year. The competition in her weight class within the country was particularly strong, with the 2004 Olympic champion Gonghong Tang and the 2005 runner-up Mu Shuangshuang both making their mark. Nonetheless, Ding’s exceptional performances and contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact.
Ding Meiyuan’s dedication and hard work have paved the way for future generations of weightlifters. Her success on the international stage has inspired many young athletes and showcased the talent and strength of Chinese weightlifters. She remains an influential figure in the world of weightlifting, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving one’s goals.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist in the weight class over 75 kg body weight at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
– World Championship title in the weight class over 75 kg body weight in 2003.