1. Overview
O Kang-chol (오강철O Kang-cholKorean), also transliterated as O Khang-Chol (吳康哲O Khang-cholKorean), born September 16, 1993, is a prominent North Korean weightlifter. He is an Asian Games champion, having secured a gold medal in the 69 kg category at the 2018 Asian Games. His career has also seen him earn silver and bronze medals at the Asian Weightlifting Championships and a silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships. Following the International Weightlifting Federation's reorganization of weight categories in 2018, O Kang-chol transitioned from competing in the 69 kg class to the newly established 73 kg category.
2. Early Life and Background
O Kang-chol was born on September 16, 1993, and represents North Korea in the sport of weightlifting. Beyond his birth date and nationality, specific details about his early life or place of birth are not widely documented.
3. Weightlifting Career
O Kang-chol has established himself as a formidable presence in international weightlifting competitions, consistently achieving top results in various categories. His career began with strong performances, particularly in the 69 kg division, before adapting to new weight class regulations.
3.1. Career Beginnings and Weight Category Changes
O Kang-chol initiated his professional weightlifting career competing primarily in the 69 kg weight class. A significant turning point occurred in 2018 when the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) implemented a comprehensive reorganization of its weight categories. In response to these changes, O Kang-chol successfully transitioned to the newly introduced 73 kg category. This adaptation allowed him to continue competing at an elite level, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the sport. He competed in the 73 kg class at the 2018 World Weightlifting Championships, finishing fifth overall, showcasing his immediate competitiveness in the new division.
3.2. Major Competition Results
O Kang-chol has consistently achieved significant results in major international weightlifting events, including the World Weightlifting Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Weightlifting Championships. His performances have earned him multiple medals and high rankings against global competitors.
3.2.1. World Weightlifting Championships
O Kang-chol has competed in the World Weightlifting Championships in the 73 kg category following the 2018 reorganization.
| Year | Venue | Weight | Snatch (kg) | Clean & Jerk (kg) | Total | Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | Rank | |||||
| World Championships | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan | 73 kg | 326 lb (148 kg) | 335 lb (152 kg) | 340 lb (154 kg) | 5 | 408 lb (185 kg) | 408 lb (185 kg) | 423 lb (192 kg) | 9 | 747 lb (339 kg) | 5 |
| 2019 | Pattaya, Thailand | 73 kg | 331 lb (150 kg) | 340 lb (154 kg) | 344 lb (156 kg) | 5 | 408 lb (185 kg) | 421 lb (191 kg) | 425 lb (193 kg) | - | 765 lb (347 kg) | - |
3.2.2. Asian Games
O Kang-chol achieved a significant milestone at the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.
| Year | Venue | Weight | Snatch (kg) | Clean & Jerk (kg) | Total | Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | Rank | |||||
| Asian Games | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | Jakarta, Indonesia | 69 kg | 324 lb (147 kg) | 333 lb (151 kg) | 337 lb (153 kg) | 1 | 399 lb (181 kg) | 408 lb (185 kg) | 414 lb (188 kg) | 2 | 741 lb (336 kg) | - |
He secured a gold medal in the men's 69 kg event, lifting a total of 741 lb (336 kg), consisting of 333 lb (151 kg) in the snatch and 408 lb (185 kg) in the clean and jerk. This victory marked North Korea's third gold medal in weightlifting at the 2018 Asian Games.
3.2.3. Asian Weightlifting Championships
O Kang-chol has participated in the Asian Weightlifting Championships, earning multiple medals.
| Year | Venue | Weight | Snatch (kg) | Clean & Jerk (kg) | Total | Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | Rank | |||||
| Asian Championships | ||||||||||||
| 2017 | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan | 69 kg | 315 lb (143 kg) | 326 lb (148 kg) | 333 lb (151 kg) | - | 388 lb (176 kg) | 403 lb (183 kg) | 412 lb (187 kg) | - | 730 lb (331 kg) | - |
| 2019 | Ningbo, China | 73 kg | 331 lb (150 kg) | 340 lb (154 kg) | 340 lb (154 kg) | - | 403 lb (183 kg) | 414 lb (188 kg) | 414 lb (188 kg) | - | 745 lb (338 kg) | - |
In April 2017, at the Asian Weightlifting Championships held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, he secured a silver medal in the 69 kg category with a total lift of 730 lb (331 kg) (snatch 326 lb (148 kg), clean and jerk 403 lb (183 kg)). He later won a bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China, competing in the 73 kg category, with a total of 745 lb (338 kg) (snatch 331 lb (150 kg), clean and jerk 414 lb (188 kg)).
4. Personal Bests
O Kang-chol's personal bests in weightlifting are as follows:
- Snatch: 340 lb (154 kg) (achieved at the 2018 World Weightlifting Championships)
- Clean & Jerk: 425 lb (193 kg) (achieved at the 2019 World Weightlifting Championships)
- Total: 765 lb (347 kg) (achieved at the 2019 World Weightlifting Championships)
5. Assessment and Personal Anecdotes
O Kang-chol is recognized for his strong performances and consistent medal contention in international weightlifting events. One notable personal anecdote from his career is his dedication of the gold medal he won at the 2018 Asian Games to his late mother. This emotional gesture highlighted a personal aspect of his journey and commitment to his sport. His successful transition to the 73 kg category after the IWF's reorganization demonstrates his adaptability and sustained competitiveness at an elite level.