We Have a European Champion: 19-Year-Old from Gyumri Defeats Two Turkish Athletes

19-year-old weightlifter Garnik Cholakyan has been crowned the European champion among athletes under 20 years of age in weightlifting.

During the European Weightlifting Championships for athletes under 20 and under 23, held in Rovaniemi, Finland, Garnik Cholakyan achieved a total lift of 230 kg (100 kg + 130 kg) in the men's 55 kg category, securing the gold medal while outperforming two Turkish competitors.

In the snatch event, Garnik won a small bronze medal, while he showed overwhelming advantage in the clean and jerk. His first attempt with a 125 kg barbell was already championship-worthy, but Garnik didn't stop there and also conquered a 130 kg lift. He declined his third attempt at the barbell. With his total lift, he surpassed the second-place athlete by 6 kg.