Robles, who is Mexican-American, said before the games that she wanted to inspire other Latinos. “As an Olympic athlete, I represent all Americans, but representing Latinos and Latinas is a great honor.”
Robles’ medal is even more monumental considering that no American man has medaled since 1984, Deadspin noted.
Only two American women ― Tara Nott (gold, Sydney 2000) and Cheryl Haworth (bronze, Sydney 2000) ― have earned hardware in Olympic history, according to NBC. Robles had a combined total of 286 kilograms, finishing behind gold medalist Meng Suping of China (307kg) and silver medalist Kim Kuk-hyang of North Korea (306kg). The latter had also previously served a drug suspension.
Source: Sarah Robles Wins The First U.S. Weightlifting Medal Since 2000