To this day, one of the most heartbreakingly poignant moments in the Olympics remains the story behind Matthias Steiner's gold at Beijing in 2008.

Steiner is a weightlifter in the 105+ kg category who began lifting at just 13 in 1995, initially representing Austria. However, a conflict with the weightlifting national confederation would have him move to Germany, where he'd meet his wife, Susann.

The German girl had first seen Steiner competing on television, falling in love with him at first sight. The two eventually tied the knot a few months later. However, little did they know that matters were about to turn lopsided soon.

On July 16, 2007, the tragic news of Susann's car crash sent a devastating blow to Steiner, who was preparing for his Olympic dream. Sitting beside Susann's hospital bed, the super-heavyweight powerlifter promised to win the gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Although his wife had passed away the summer before the competition, Steiner stayed true to his promise, albeit with some weight loss.

Matthias Steiner conquers the Olympic stage through setbacks

Stepping on the stage, he wasn't the favorite to win the competition. A 203 kg snatch, much below that of his closest rivals, and a fourth-place finish saw his dream slip further away. Yet, he didn't give up until the last moment.

Taking advantage of his clean-and-jerk strength, Matthias Steiner gave the lift his everything. Two failed attempts later, the German competitor did the unbelievable, lifting 258 kg and a total lift of 461 kg to claim the gold.

He had kept his promise, and choking back his tears, he stood atop the podium with his wife's picture. As he accepted the medal, his touching speech stirred the audience.

"I managed to lift it because I had this strong, innermost urge. I’m not the superstitious type; I don’t believe in higher powers, but I hope she saw me. I wish," Steiner dedicated the triumph to Susann, kissing the picture.

After the Olympics, he went on to secure three more medals, although none as emotive as the Beijing victory, before retiring from the sport in 2013. While Matthias Steiner is now married, the weightlifter is a symbol of love and heart.

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Written by

Proma Chatterjee

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil