Karlos Nasar had an amazing performance at the 2024 European Weightlifting Championships, which are taking place in his home country of Bulgaria from February 12-20. The home turf brought some advantages to the young athlete, as he managed to set a 176-kilogram (388-pound) Snatch Junior World Record in the 89-kilogram weight class. Moreover, Karlos won the competition and claimed his second Senior European Champion title.
Snatch
Karlos Nasar opened up his performance with a 168-kilogram (370.4-pound) snatch, which moved with speed. So, for his second attempt, Karlos snatched 173 kilograms (381.4 pounds), which was slightly below the Junior World Record.
With one attempt left, the only goal that made sense to Karlos Nasar was to exceed the Junior World Record. So, he loaded 176 kilograms (388 pounds) on the barbell. He then put on a pair of knee sleeves and wrist wraps before attempting the snatch.
Karlos Nasar managed to get 176 kilograms (388 pounds) above his head with an incredibly explosive snatch. However, he remained in the squat position for some time before ultimately ascending up to full lockout with ease.
- 168 kilograms (370.4 pounds)
- 173 kilograms (381.4 pounds)
- 176 kilograms (388 pounds) – U89KG Junior World Record
*Karlos Nasar held the old U89KG Junior World Record of 174-kg (383.6-lb), which he set at the 2023 European Weightlifting Championships.
Watch Karlos Nasar’s record here:
Related: 19-YO Karlos Nasar (89KG) Sets 223-kg (491.6-lb) Clean & Jerk World Record at 2023 IWF Grand Prix II
Clean & Jerk
Having set the record on the Snatch and thus built up a massive advantage over his rivals, Karlos Nasar did not feel too much pressure during the Clean & Jerk event. So, he chose 208 kilograms (458.6 pounds) for his first attempt, which looked extremely easy for him.
Moving onto his second attempt, Karlos Nasar opted to Clean & Jerk 215 kilograms (474 pounds). Once again, he put on a pair of knee sleeves and wrist wraps, but he also added a lifting belt. This weight was still significantly lighter than what Karlos could lift, but it was enough to secure him the title. So, Karlos did not need to perform his final Clean & Jerk attempt, having already won the competition.
- 208 kilograms (458.6 pounds)
- 215 kilograms (474 pounds)
- Did not attempt
Total — 391 kilograms (862 pounds)
2024 European Weightlifting Championships — U89KG Podium
- Karlos Nasar (BUL): 391-kg (862-lb)
- Antonino Pizzolato (ITA): 380-kg (837.8-lb)
- Marin Robu (MDA): 378-kg (833.3-lb)
Watch Karlos Nasar’s Clean & Jerk Here:
Related: Hampton Morris (61KG) Sets Three American Records at 2024 European Weightlifting Championships
Karlos Nasar is currently one of the biggest favorites for the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, as his only rival seems to be Li Dayin. However, since each nation can only send three men and three women weightlifters to the Olympics, they have to be very selective in choosing who those athletes are.
In turn, Karlos Nasar’s incredible performances might force Team China to select three men from other weight classes who would not have to face as tough a rival as Li Dayin. So, if Li Dayin is in fact not picked to compete in Paris, Karlos will most likely get his first Olympic Gold Medal.
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