Iraqi gold medalist weightlifter becomes internet sensation with wild celebration at Asian Games

JAKARTA: Safaa Al-Jumaili, who secured Iraq’s first gold medal of the Asian Games on Friday, has become an internet sensation after his wild celebration.

The Iraqi champion celebrated winning the weightlifting by ripping off his shirt and roaring with delight.

His jubilation came after a dramatic last-gasp lift secured his country’s first gold of the Asian Games.

It was Iraq’s first medal of any color at the 18th Asiad and was greeted with jubilant scenes at the Jakarta International Expo arena.

As Al-Jumaili roared in delight he was joined by an Iraqi team official who bowed and kissed the platform several times in thanks.

Al-Jumaili had already failed with the 202kg he needed for gold but somehow managed to lock out his arms on the final lift of the 85kg competition to pip South Korea’s brave Jang Yeon-hak by just 1kg.

Jang was left with silver after collapsing on his final 197kg attempt and being stretchered away wearing an oxygen mask.

He recovered in time to collect his silver medal. “I hyperventilated,” he told AFP. “I knew Al-Jumaili had a strong clean and jerk and I knew if I didn’t make it he would probably win.”

The 2017 Asian Junior Championship gold medallist said he was just glad to be competing after a horror injury three years ago.

“It was my own fault. I kicked a barbell and broke my leg,” he revealed.

“I thought I would have to give up lifting but my father helped me with rehabilitation. Every day he trained with me.”