Background
He was born in Zaragoza, Antioquia.
He was born in Zaragoza, Antioquia.
At the 2004 Summer Olympics he ranked 5th in the 56 kg category, lifting a total of 280 kg. He ranked 4th in the 62 kg category at the 2007 World Weightlifting Championships. In the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Figueroa failed to make a lift in the snatch category, after an injury to his right hand prevented him from getting a firm grip.
He left the Beijing games with DNF on board and his tribulations were broadcast around the world.
According to Australia"s Seven Network Olympics coverage on 15 August, Figueroa had earlier had an injection to his right hand which resulted in a loss of feeling.