Chinese Weightlifter Li Fabin Wins Gold After Lifting 166kg On One Leg

Li Fabin, take a bow.

The Chinese weightlifter stormed into the Olympic record books, clinching a gold medal by lifting 166kg... all while standing on just one leg.

It's unknown whether the bizarre technique is injury-related at all, although it certainly is impressive with fans dubbing the unique move "the flamingo".

PA

Li, who competes in the 61kg category, says he often uses the technique to correct his balance and stop him from toppling over.

Well, it seems to have paid off after the Chinese star lifted a whopping 166kg to take home the gold medal - which is three times his body weight.

"I have very strong core strength and muscles," Li said.

"I know this move pleases the audience but I don't suggest people make the same move. It could provoke injury."

PA

The 166kg lift on one leg was impressive to say the least, but it wasn't what won him the gold medal.

That accolade belonged to Li's follow-up routine, where he lifted 172kgs over his head with ease to fend off Indonesia's Eko Yuli Irawan.

Irawan was unable to match Li, who ended up lifting a total of 313kgs on the night.

His individual gold also helped China extend their lead at the summit of the total medals race with host nation Japan hot on their heals.

Topics: Weightlifting, olympics, Tokyo Olympics, Gold Medal, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

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