Kuo Hsing-chun to Compete in 61kg Class at Asian Games Qualifier While Managing Back Injury

(CNA, Taipei, 18th, by reporter Li Chien-chung) "Weightlifting goddess" Kuo Hsing-chun stated today at a brand sponsor event that she is currently coexisting peacefully with her back injury, and her recovery is on schedule. She revealed that she will participate in the 61kg class at the Nagoya Asian Games final selection on June 6. Kuo Hsing-chun has won two medals in her career at the Asian Games, including a gold in the 58kg class at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and a bronze in the 59kg class at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. However, for the past year, Kuo Hsing-chun has been constantly battling injuries. She mentioned at the event today that she has undergone three treatments of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for her back injury, with the most recent one at the end of April this year. Her rehabilitation and training are currently on track. Kuo Hsing-chun mentioned that this back injury is indeed quite troublesome. "When I'm in good condition, it's like nothing is wrong, but it can suddenly flare up when I try to increase the intensity or lift heavy weights, and once it happens, I have to rest for many days." Kuo Hsing-chun revealed that she has now learned to "have the courage to rest." "Before, whenever I rested, I would worry about falling behind in my training schedule or being surpassed by other athletes, which put a lot of pressure on me. But because of this injury, I have learned to rest seriously and let my body recover properly." Although Kuo Hsing-chun did not participate in the recently concluded Asian Weightlifting Championships, she followed the competition closely, almost always watching the broadcasts. She said, "The athletes in the 58kg and 63kg classes are terrifying now; they are young and the competition is intense. For example, the silver medalist in the 58kg class, Wei Tingna from China, is only 20 years old, a full 12 years younger than me." As the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced new weight class divisions for men and women, the 58kg and 59kg classes Kuo Hsing-chun used to compete in are no longer included. After much thought, she decided to participate in the 61kg class for the Asian Games selection. Kuo Hsing-chun mentioned, "I considered dropping weight to compete in the 57kg class, but considering that further weight loss might put more strain on my back, I decided to compete in the 61kg class. At least my weight control has been good, and it won't be a major issue." The International Weightlifting Federation announced that from August 1 this year, all international competitions must be held according to the newly approved weight classes. The women's division is divided into eight classes: 49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, and +86kg. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150518