Bangkok: "Wave" Weerapol Wichuma has clinched the fifth gold medal for the Thai weightlifting team while setting new world records in both the clean and jerk and the total weight categories.
According to Thai News Agency, in the men's 71 kg weightlifting event, five athletes competed, with Thailand represented by "Wave" Flight Sergeant Weerapol Wichuma, the silver medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Demonstrating remarkable skill, Weerapol successfully lifted 142 kg, 147 kg, and 152 kg in the snatch lift, marking a strong start to the competition.
Weerapol's exceptional performance continued in the clean and jerk event. He first lifted 185 kg, and on his second attempt, he successfully hoisted 195 kg, breaking his own previous world record of 194 kg set in October 2025 at the World Weightlifting Championships. This accomplishment, combined with his snatch lift, brought his total to 347 kg, surpassing his previous world record of 346 kg, also set in October 2025.
The silver medal was awarded to Albert Ian Delos Santos from the Philippines with a total of 324 kg, and Duc Ton Nguyen from Vietnam took home the bronze with a total of 305 kg.
Post-competition, Weerapol expressed his joy at winning the SEA Games gold medal, an event he had never competed in before. Delighted with his record-breaking performance, he noted his training results foreshadowed such success and expressed optimism about lifting over 200 kg in the clean and jerk soon. His future goals include competing in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.
Overall, the Thai weightlifting team has excelled, securing 5 gold medals and 1 silver medal in 6 categories.
The upcoming competition schedule for other Thai weightlifters includes Ms. Thanaporn Saeteia in the women's 63 kg category, Petty Officer 1st Class Nattawut Suebswan in the men's 79 kg category, and Ms. Patthida Wongsingh in the women's 69 kg category on December 15, 2025. On December 16, 2025, Mr. Woraprot Nasuriwong will compete in the men's 88 kg category, followed by Mr. Sarath Sumpradit in the men's 94 kg category.