by sportswriters Yue Wenwan, Xu Shihao and Yang Boyi

DONGGUAN, China, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- As the spirited music filled the arena, Wang Zhouyu stood on the top podium for the third time at China's National Games. There were no roaring cheers or tears, but just a composed smile gracing her face.

"I had pictured this three-peat long ago," she said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in steady and almost understated voice. "With my ability, winning the championship wasn't really a problem."

The 31-year-old Tokyo Olympic champion lifted a total of 270 kilograms to triumph in the women's 87kg category on Friday. Stepping down from the podium, Wang, from central China's Yichang City in Hubei Province, recalled the first time she laid hands on the barbell.

"I was 13 then. I barely understood weightlifting," she said. "I was just playing around while training."

But what began as play soon grew into passion, passion into a career, and eventually, a career into something weightier. "Eventually, I saw it as a responsibility on my shoulders," she said.

Her performance in the final reaffirmed her enduring dominance. After a solid start with a 118-kilogram snatch, she failed on her 121kg attempts. Yet, when it came to the clean and jerk, Wang regained her composure, successfully lifting 148kg and then 152kg.

"In my third lift, I wanted to try 161 kilograms, a chance to push my own national record," she noted. "But my coach told me to take it one lift at a time."

If raw competitiveness defined her early years, self-mastery has become the hallmark of her maturity. "I gradually realized the biggest opponent is always myself," she said. "Weightlifting is about conquering myself, adding one kilogram at a time."

"I'm not the strongest in the category, other athletes squat more and pull more than I do," said Wang, who highlights more on precision, timing, and presence of mind.

"A weightlifter with good technique can turn a small force into a big lift," she said. "It's great that my coach has been helpful adjusting my details, teaching me how to channel every bit of power into the bar."

As a veteran, she has witnessed the rise of a new generation behind her. "Many youngsters are more talented and better trained than me at the same age, and I believe they will surge ahead," she said. "I hope they keep challenging themselves like what I have been doing - one more kilogram at a time."

This year marks Wang's final National Games, though she shared the news without a trace of sadness.

"Let's see how things go. I'm in good physical condition and with great techniques. Perhaps I'll start a new story with weightlifting."

Before that, she plans to rest for a while. "I want to spend time with my family," she said. "Maybe we'll travel to Xinjiang, as I'd like to enjoy snow and try skiing there." Enditem