KUO Hsing-chun powers her way to gold in the women's 59kg weightlifting

Chinese Taipei's KUO Hsing-chun has turned her Olympic bronze into glittering gold as she powered her way to the top of the podium in the women's 59kg Olympic Weightlifting event at Tokyo 2020.

The 27-year-old was one of the last ones out in the snatch, lifting an Olympic Record of 103kg on her second attempt - almost 7kg more than any other competitor. Once again, Kuo came into the fold late into the clean and jerk with an initial attempt of 125kg before making an Olympic Record of 133kg.

"Since 2012, I have been having ups and downs. It has been very tough," she said.

Kuo had finished sixth at London 2012.

"I would like to thank my coach, my friends and all the people around me for their support and the energy and strength they've given me."

"From 2012, that failure, to now, this gold medal. I finally won a gold medal. I am really excited. It's what I dreamed of and I'm really grateful for all those people who've been with me."

Kuo, who won bronze in the women's 58kg event at Rio 2016, attempted to beat the world record held by Democratic People's Republic of Korea's KIM Il Gyong but was unable to do so.

Polina Guryeva of Turkmenistan (217kg) won her nations first ever Olympic medal with her silver medal.

"I would like to thank my coach and just because of him I am here and a silver medallist," the 21-year-old said. "Two years ago, I didn't even think about this. My coach gave me hope, he guided me, he motivated me and pushed me for victory.

"I'm kind of in shock."

ANDOH Mikiko of Japan (214kg) clinched an emotional bronze. The two-time Olympian, who hurt her knee in the process of her last attempt in the clean and jerk of 120kg, had to wait until Yusleidy Mariana Figueroa Roldan attempt before learning she had won a medal after Venezuelan failed at 125kg.