I lifted gold, glory and the weight of a nation
How I turned strength into medals, and medals into change for women in Spain.
Under Pressure
October 22, 2025
10 min read
Lidia Valentín is Spain’s most successful female weightlifter
Lidia Valentín Pérez (born 1985, Spain) is a professional weightlifter. She is a four-time European Champion, three-time World Champion, and Olympic medalist in all three colors, including gold at London 2012 (awarded later). She is seen as one of the greatest female weightlifters of all time and a trailblazer for women in Spanish sport.
