The first female athlete to win a medal in Olympic weightlifting was Hsu Ying-ying from Taiwan, who achieved this milestone during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Her accomplishment marked a significant moment in Olympic history, as it not only highlighted the participation of women in weightlifting but also paved the way for future female athletes in the sport. Hsu's success inspired many and contributed to the growing recognition and development of women’s weightlifting on an international level.