Li Yajun (China) was the favorite entering the 53kg category on Sunday. After setting a new Olympic Record with a 101kg snatch, Yajun looked to be on track. However, after missing her first 123kg clean and jerk attempt Yajun’s gold medal was not safe.
Hsu Shu-Ching (Taipei) was only 1kg behind Yajun after the snatch, and started the clean & jerk with a successful 112kg attempt. After Yajun’s missed 123kg attempt, Shu-Ching attempted 126kg unsuccessfully. Yajun then proceeded to miss 126kg as well on her next two attempts and not totaling. Shu-Ching did not attempt her third attempt as she had already secured the gold medal.
Final Podium
| Athlete | Snatch | Clean & Jerk | Total |
| Hsu, Shu-Ching (TPE) | 100 | 112 | 212 |
| Diaz, Hidilyn (PHI) | 88 | 112 | 200 |
| Yoon, Jin Hee (KOR) | 88 | 111 | 199 |
