Robles Wins Bronze Medal in Weightlifting at the 2016 Rio Games

2016 Rio Games

Sarah Robles has ended an American drought at the Olympics

The 28-year-old Mexican American weightlifter, known as “the strongest woman in America,” won the United States’ first weightlifting medal in 16 years on Sunday with a bronze in the women’s over-75-kilogram category.

Sarah Robles

China’s Meng Suping won gold with 130 kilograms in the snatch and 177 in the clean and jerk for a total of 307, one more than second-placed Kim Kuk Hyang of North Korea.

Robles lifted 286 total, with 126 in the snatch and 160 in the clean and jerk.

Sarah Robles

After making her final lift, Robles sank onto her knees and gave a roar of delight before blowing a kiss to the crowd.

The last U.S. medal winners in weightlifting were Tara Nott and Cheryl Haworth when the women’s events debuted in 2000.

The last U.S. men’s medals were in 1984.