(24 July 1996; Day 5)
When Pablo LARA won the 76kg weightlifting gold medal in Wednesday's competition, he did something that no other Cuban has ever done.
Despite a blister on his right hand, LARA lifted an amazing 162.5kg snatch and a 205.0kg clean and jerk for a total lift of 367.5kg to win the gold medal. LARA is the world record holder in the clean and jerk category with a 208.0kg lift in April. He also holds the world record total lift of 372.5kg. In his third clean and jerk lift in this competition, LARA attempted to break his own record with a 210.0kg lift, but was unsuccessful.
LARA won Cuba's first-ever gold medal in the 76kg category and its first in 16 years. Some of Cuba's premiere athletes were on hand to cheer him on. Among his supporters present at the competition were three-time boxing gold medalist Teofilo STEVENSON (1972, 1976, 1980), 1976 400m and 800m champion Alberto JUANTORENA and 1980 Olympic 56kg weightlifting champion in the 56kg Daniel NUNEZ.
"I am very glad for him because now I am no longer alone as a Cuban gold medal winner in weightlifting," said NUNEZ. "I am very proud because when I won my gold medal in 1980, LARA was only 12 years old. I was his inspiration to take up weightlifting. I think he will remain on top of the 76kg category for years to come."
LARA won a silver medal at the 1992 Olympic Games as well as gold medals at the 1995 Pan American Games and the 1995 World Championship. Competing since the age of 12, LARA trains at Cerro Pelado in Havana, Cuba. An auto mechanic by trade, LARA began his weightlifting career ten years ago in the 75kg category.
Future plans for the gold medalist include competing in the World Championships later this year and defending his Olympic title in four years.
"I am definitely going to continue weightlifting," he said.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Kim Chaudoin.
Select another day:
Pre | July | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | August | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Post |
| An estimated 5.3 million visted Centennial Olympic Park between opening day - 13 July - and closing day - 4 August, making the park the most single most visited Olympic site during the Games. |