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Colombian weightlifter Figueroa wins gold, promptly retires

REUTERS/Yves Herman

Colombian weightlifter Oscar Figueroa ended his career in dramatic fashion after winning gold in the men's 62kg event.

Figueroa discarded his shoes upon lifting a total of 318 kilograms to win the competition. The 33-year-old left his shoes on the stage, denoting his retirement.

Rio 2016 marks Figueroa's fourth Olympics, and he also won a silver medal in 2012. The Colombian finished fifth in the 56kg event in 2004, and did not finish in 2008.

Here, Figueroa triumphantly celebrates the pinnacle of his career:

It proved to be an overwhelming experience for Figueroa, who teared up with elation on the podium:

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