Famous Bulgarian Weightlifters

Boyanka Kostova is a professional weightlifter who represented Azerbaijan at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the women's 58 kg category, achieving a commendable fifth-place finish. Known for her strength and skill in the sport, Kostova has earned recognition for her dedication and performance in weightlifting competitions. As a naturalized Azerbaijani athlete, she has showcased her talent on the international stage, inspiring others with her passion for the sport and determination to succeed at the highest levels of competition.

Halil Mutlu is a former professional Turkish weightlifter with an impressive career marked by multiple World and Olympic championship titles. He is known for being one of the five weightlifters to have secured three consecutive gold medals at the Olympic Games. Mutlu's successful weightlifting journey includes five World championships, nine European championships, and setting over 20 world records in the 52 kg, 54 kg, and 56 kg weight categories. His achievements have solidified his reputation as one of the most accomplished weightlifters in the sport's history.

Ivan Abadjiev was a legendary Bulgarian weightlifter and coach known as "The Pope of Weightlifting." He achieved numerous accolades during his career, producing an impressive 12 Olympic champions, 57 world champions, and 64 European champions. Abadjiev served as head coach of the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation for several years, as well as a stint with the Turkish Weightlifting Federation. Renowned for his innovative training methods, he developed a highly successful system inspired by the works of Soviet Professor Felix Meerson, revolutionizing the sport during his time.

Karlos Nasar is a Bulgarian weightlifter known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. He made history by becoming one of the youngest weightlifting world record holders, winning multiple championships and setting new records in various weight categories. Nasar's remarkable career includes breaking senior world records, winning gold medals, and setting multiple new world records in a single day at prestigious events such as the World Weightlifting Championships and the European Weightlifting Championships.

Angel Hriskov Rusev is a renowned Bulgarian weightlifter known for his exceptional strength and skill in the sport. Throughout his professional career, he has achieved significant success, garnering numerous accolades and championships. Rusev is highly regarded for his dedication to training and his consistency in achieving impressive results in weightlifting competitions. His talent and hard work have solidified his reputation as a top athlete in the weightlifting world, inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike.

Stefan Petrov Topurov is a former Bulgarian weightlifter known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. He made history by being the first lifter to clean & jerk three times his body weight during the 1983 World Weightlifting Championships. This remarkable feat, with a 180 kg lift in the 60 kg division, solidified his status as a top athlete in the weightlifting world. With his impressive strength and skills, Topurov garnered international recognition as an Olympian and World Champion during his professional career.

Milen Dobrev was a renowned Bulgarian weightlifter who achieved great success in his career. He became an Olympic champion in 2004 and won multiple European and world championships in weightlifting. Dobrev trained under various coaches and competed for different teams throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the sport. He was recognized for his exceptional talent and contributions to weightlifting, earning the title of honorary citizen in both Plovdiv and Athens. Dobrev's professional legacy is marked by his numerous achievements and accolades in the world of weightlifting.

Norair Nurikyan is a former Bulgarian weightlifter of Armenian descent, known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He is a two-time Olympic Champion and has been honored with prestigious titles such as the Hero of Socialist Labor of Bulgaria and Order of the Bulgaria, First Degree. In 1994, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions to weightlifting by being inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greats.