By Ivan Rafalsky
Anastasia Novikova from Zhodino (under 58kg) claimed her gold medal on November 7th, after lifting 237kg over two events (101+136). ‘Small bronze’ in the snatch went to young Irina Kulesh (under 75kg), who lifted 121kg. She also came fourth in two other events, lifting 261kg (121+140).
Beijing 2008 Olympic silver medallist Andrey Rybakov (under 85kg) came seventh overall after lifting 368kg (178+190) across two events, but did claim first place in one nomination. He has missed three previous years due to injury, so is still in training to regain his former fitness.
The Belarusian men and women’s teams now have four places each at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The women’s squad came fifth overall, behind Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Turkey, and received the maximum amount of places. The men’s squad was placed 14th, earning four out of six possible Olympic places. Belarus sent its complete men’s squad to the previous Games in Beijing in 2008.
