The Rising Star Award - AIPS Europe & EWF

Rising Star Nominees for AIPS Europe & EWF

The European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) Rising Star nominees are selected to recognise the most promising young athletes in European weightlifting. These lifters are typically at junior or early senior level and have already begun making an impact on the international stage.

The award focuses on athletes who show strong performance progression and the potential to become future European and world-level medal contenders. It highlights those who are quickly closing the gap on elite totals and delivering results under pressure.

What They Are Nominated For?

Nominees are selected based on performances at major events such as the European Junior & U23 Championships and senior continental competitions. Judges look closely at total weight lifted across snatch and clean & jerk, as well as how athletes handle pressure attempts.

They are also assessed on progression trends—such as significant year-on-year increases in totals, improved consistency in completing lifts on first attempts, and the ability to compete close to senior podium standards.

High-Potential Lifters to Watch

 

 

• Boyana Kostadinova – Promising female lifter with solid technique and improving totals; recently put together a clean competition where she made most of her snatch attempts and boosted her overall finish.
• Harrison McGrogan – Keeps improving year on year and looks confident on the platform; recently set a personal best total after nailing his final clean & jerk attempts under pressure.
• Minni Hormavirta – Consistent and steady lifter who rarely wastes attempts; recently had a strong European junior outing, staying composed and building a solid total across both lifts.
• Ramazan Efe Yilmaz – Strong junior lifter who’s been adding weight to his total fast; recently hit a new competition best at Europeans after locking in key clean & jerks late in the session.