Kim Un Guk of North Korea sets Olympic weightlifting record

GlobalPost

North Korea's Kim Un Guk has set an Olympic record for weightlifting in the men's 62 kg class snatch lift, Reuters reported, earning a gold medal for his country, according to the Associated Press.

Kim, 23, also matched the world weightlifting record for the same class, held by of China's Shi Zhiyong, after lifting 153 kg in the one-phase snatch, according to Reuters. Kim now has a substantial lead going into the final round of the competition, Reuters said.

Just yesterday, another North Korean weightlifter made headlines and set a new Olympic record after lifting three times his own body weight in the men's 56 kg category. Om Yun Choi credited the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il for his superhuman feat.

More from GlobalPost: Om Yun Choi, North Korean weightlifter, breaks Olympics record

Kim Un Guk triumphed over rival Zhang Jie of China, 24, who won the world title last year, according to the Associated Press.

More from GlobalPost: 2012 London Olympics

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