Born: October 9, 1983
Biography:
Jang Mi-ran (Korean pronunciation: [tɕɐŋ.mi.ɾɐn]; born October 9, 1983) is a South Korean Olympic weightlifter who has left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Hailing from Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Jang has achieved incredible feats in her career, captivating audiences worldwide with her strength, determination, and unparalleled talent.
Born in 1983, Jang Mi-ran embarked on her weightlifting journey at a young age. She quickly displayed promise and dedication, catching the attention of trainers and coaches. As her skills developed, it became evident that Jang possessed a natural ability and potential to excel in the sport.
Jang’s breakthrough came in 2004 when she represented South Korea in the Summer Olympics. Competing in the +75 kg category, she astounded spectators by clinching the silver medal with an awe-inspiring total of 302.5 kg. This remarkable achievement put her name on the map and laid the foundation for her future success in weightlifting.
Building on her Olympic triumph, Jang continued to dominate the international stage. In September 2007, she added a third consecutive world championship overall title to her list of accomplishments. In the women’s +75 kg category, Jang lifted an astonishing 319 kg in total, shattering her own world record. This exceptional performance solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the weightlifting community.
With the Beijing Olympics in 2008 on the horizon, Jang Mi-ran set her sights on making history. And she did just that. Displaying her unwavering strength and unwavering determination, she claimed the gold medal in the +75 kg category, leaving her competitors in awe. Jang not only claimed the top spot but also broke three world records in the snatch (140 kg), clean and jerk (186 kg), and total (326 kg), further solidifying her position as one of the greatest weightlifters of her time.
In 2010, Jang made history once again by securing the gold medal in the +75 kg division at the Guangzhou Asian Games. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career as it completed the weightlifting equivalent of a grand slam. Jang became the champion in the Summer Olympics, world championships, and Asian Games, a feat achieved by only a select few athletes in the sport.
Beyond her exceptional athletic accomplishments, Jang Mi-ran’s impact extends beyond the weightlifting platform. In February 2012, she established the Jang Miran Foundation with the aim of supporting young athletes in minor sports. This philanthropic endeavor showcased Jang’s dedication to giving back to the sporting community and nurturing the next generation of athletes.
After a disappointing performance at the 2012 London Olympics, Jang decided to retire in January 2013. She made this decision to channel her energy into her foundation and pursue higher education at Yong In University. Jang’s retirement marked the end of an era in weightlifting, but her legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes around the world.
In November 2016, Jang received a belated recognition for her talent and hard work. Hripsime Khurshudyan of Armenia, who had previously won the bronze medal in the Women’s 75+ kg Weightlifting Division at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, was stripped of her medal due to doping violations. This turn of events allowed Jang to claim the rightful third-place position, solidifying her Olympic record and further highlighting the strength and determination she possessed throughout her career.
Jang Mi-ran’s incredible journey from a young weightlifter to a global champion serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and remarkable abilities. Her impact on the sport can never be understated, and she will forever remain an iconic figure in the annals of women’s weightlifting history.
Awards:
– Silver medal in the +75 kg category at the 2004 Summer Olympics
– Three-time world championship overall title in the women’s +75 kg category (2005, 2006, 2007)
– Gold medal in the +75 kg category at the 2008 Summer Olympics
– Gold medal in the +75 kg division at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games