China poised to take weightlifting prowess to new heights

Weightlifting powerhouse China is set to extend its dominance in Rio de Janeiro after topping the discipline's medal standings at every Olympics since the 2000 Sydney Games.

After cruising to five golds in London four years ago, China will land in Brazil with a full contingent of 10 lifters - all but three have won Olympic or world championship titles - highlighting the nation's depth in multiple weight classes.

"In China they have an impressive number of good lifters, so even internally the competition is very tough," said Lilla Rozgonyi of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the sport's governing body.