On Friday, at the Olympic Games, Bulgarian weightlifting sensation Karlos Nasar etched his name into the history books by becoming the lightest man ever to lift 400 kilograms in competition. The 20-year-old not only clinched the gold in the men’s 89kg category but also broke the world record with an astounding total of 404kg.
Nasar, who has been a prodigious talent in the sport, described his Olympic experience as surreal, saying, “Competing at the Olympic Games feels like traveling to another planet—I feel like I’m on Mars.” This marked a significant milestone in his already illustrious career, further solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in weightlifting.
In the snatch round, Nasar tied for the lead after lifting 180kg. However, it was in the clean and jerk where he truly demonstrated his prowess. As his competitors completed their attempts at lower weights, Nasar waited until the field had mostly exhausted their chances. With his very first clean and jerk attempt, he successfully lifted 213kg, securing his gold medal.
Nasar then decided to aim for a remarkable 224kg in his subsequent attempts. Showing remarkable composure, he took an extra moment to steady the bar on his chest before hoisting it overhead, setting a new world record with a total lift of 404kg. His achievement has been met with widespread acclaim, with many noting that he has lifted even heavier weights during training sessions.
Reflecting on his journey, Nasar said, “I’ve visualized winning countless times, and in my mind, I succeeded each time.” When asked about his exuberant reactions on stage, Nasar simply smiled and added, “Sometimes, the emotions are beyond my control—I don’t even remember what happens in those moments.”
In a competition marked by fierce rivalries, Colombian Yeison Lopez claimed the silver medal with a total lift of 390kg. Meanwhile, Italian Antonino Pizzolato delivered a dramatic performance to secure bronze. After failing his first two attempts, Pizzolato’s final lift was initially disqualified, but an appeal and video review reversed the decision, allowing him to stay on the podium.
In the women’s 71kg event, 21-year-old American Olivia Reeves took center stage, lifting a total of 262kg to claim the gold medal. Reeves, who led the competition from start to finish, edged out her closest competitors by 5kg, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic gold in weightlifting since Tara Nott’s victory in Sydney 2000.
Colombian athlete Mari Sanchez secured the silver medal, narrowly surpassing Ecuador’s Angie Palacios by just 1kg with her final lift. Despite her commanding performance, Reeves was visibly emotional on the podium, shedding tears as the U.S. national anthem played. “I’ve stood on podiums before and heard the anthem, but this is the Olympics—it’s different,” she said, overwhelmed by the moment.
As the sport of weightlifting looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Reeves is poised to become the face of the sport in the United States. “I’m honored to take on that role,” she said with determination.
Nasar’s meteoric rise in weightlifting has been accompanied by personal challenges. In 2022, he faced legal troubles after being arrested at a Bulgarian beach resort and later receiving a suspended prison sentence for driving under the influence of drugs and without a license. His troubles continued in May of the following year when a freak accident in a Sofia hotel bathroom resulted in a severe Achilles tendon injury that required surgery.
Despite these setbacks, Nasar has remained resilient, overcoming physical and emotional pain to continue his pursuit of greatness. His resilience and charisma have led some to speculate that he could become a pivotal figure in revamping the image of a sport long tainted by doping scandals.
Interestingly, Nasar’s life outside the competition also caught the attention of the media. At a press conference, he revealed that he plans to attend the rhythmic gymnastics event to support the Bulgarian team, particularly his girlfriend, Magdalina Minevska.
As the Olympic Games progress, Nasar’s journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and the indomitable spirit of a champion.
