“My goal at the Olympics is to hit a senior world record in the snatch,” Olivia Reeves told NPR ahead of the 71 kg women’s weightlifting event in Paris. Given that Reeves had previously lifted 120 kg—just 1 kg shy of the current world record—her claim was well within the realm of possibility. However, as a first-time Olympian, nerves may have initially affected her performance.

The junior world record holder in every lift in her class stumbled with the snatch, leading to a shaky start. The 21-year-old’s first successful lift was a conservative 109 kg. Despite this, team USA’s first women’s weightlifting medal prospect since 2000 found her composure as the event progressed. Despite the modest beginning, she established herself at the forefront of the competition.

Although Olivia Reeves struggled to maintain control of the bar, she managed a 117 kg snatch. While this lift did not achieve the world record she had hoped for, it did set a new Olympic snatch record. Her gamble to lift significantly heavier than the competition paid off, as even the world record-holder Angie Palacios could not match her snatch on Friday night.

The Pan-American champion took the lead and settled her nerves as the event moved into its second half. With half of the competition behind her, Reeves began to see a path to the gold medal. “I did a lot of research on everybody else,” said National team coach Mike Gattone, whose strategy to target personal records proved successful.

Reeves maintained her lead from the first half of the event. By the time she approached the podium for her final lift, she had already ended the 24-year medal drought. The American weightlifter lifted 145 kg in the clean and jerk, leaving the rest of the field behind. She attempted another Olympic record with a 150 kg lift but was unsuccessful.

Nevertheless, her 262 kg total was 5 kg more than silver medalist Mari Sánchez and 6 kg above Angie Palacios’ 256 kg total. “I’ve heard the national anthem before. I’ve been on the podium before… But this is the Olympics,” said Reeves, wiping away tears of joy atop the podium. The feeling of being an Olympic champion will take some time to sink in.

What’s next for Olivia Reeves?

After her historic win at the Olympics, the fall semester at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is next on the list for the gold medalist. However, her focus will remain on weightlifting. Although she initially took up the sport to avoid running during CrossFit workouts, she has developed a deep passion for it.

Starting with the goal of becoming as strong as possible, the 21-year-old believes she has yet to reach that objective. “I don’t think the goal has ever changed, and that’s why I still love the sport. It’s never been about numbers and medals,” said the 71 kg champion. Despite her already impressive achievements, including Olympic gold, the future holds potential for even greater accomplishments. What do you think Reeves may achieve next?