ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver is a freelance writer and former sports editor of The Observer. He is also the author of "The Commonwealth Games: Extraordinary Stories Behind the Medals." He was weightlifting media manager at the London Olympics in 2012 and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and specializes in the sport, writing regularly for the International Weightlifting Federation website.

More articles by 'Brian Oliver'

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North Korean weightlifters get star treatment after record-breaking performance

DPRK athletes win five golds at World Championships in Norway, continuing dominant run since return to global stage

Brian OliverOctober 15, 2025

News

Anti-doping agency says it recently tested athletes inside North Korea

Visit by International Testing Agency likely marked first non-political entry into DPRK in four years

Brian OliverFebruary 12, 2024

News

North Korea says it’s open to dope-testing after Asian Games success

Critics say DPRK weightlifters, free from steroid and other testing for years, pack unfair advantage

Brian OliverOctober 12, 2023

News

North Korean weightlifters skip Olympic qualifier in Cuba despite registering

Absence means athletes won’t be able to compete in Paris and suggests DPRK hasn’t eased COVID border controls

Brian OliverJune 9, 2023

News

North Korean weightlifters cleared to join upcoming Olympic qualifier in Cuba

Event would be DPRK athletes' first overseas since pandemic but has raised hackles about their lack of doping testing

Brian OliverMay 24, 2023

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