European Weightlifting Championships 2025 – Chișinău, Moldova
Records Fall and Legends Rise at the 2025 European Weightlifting Championships
The 2025 European Weightlifting Championships, held in Chișinău, Moldova from April 13 to 21, delivered an electrifying week of competition that pushed the boundaries of the sport. With athletes from over 35 countries vying for continental glory, the championships became a showcase of both seasoned champions and rising stars. This year’s edition was particularly memorable, as multiple senior and European records were shattered across a range of weight classes, highlighting the extraordinary level of talent in European weightlifting. The atmosphere in Chișinău was nothing short of electric, with passionate crowds, intense rivalries, and historic performances unfolding on the platform; many of those supported by LUXIAOJUN shoes and kit.
Karlos Nasar Shatters World Records
Bulgarian powerhouse Karlos Nasar once again stunned the weightlifting world with a breathtaking performance in the men’s 96 kg category. The 20-year-old phenom lifted 188 kg in the snatch, setting a new senior world record, and followed it with a monumental 229 kg clean and jerk. His combined total of 417 kg not only secured the gold medal but also set another world record, further solidifying his status as the face of a new generation of lifters. Nasar’s precision, power, and poise under pressure captivated the audience and reaffirmed his reputation as one of the sport’s most electrifying talents. With each competition, he continues to elevate the global standard, and his Chișinău performance may go down as one of the greatest ever seen at the European Championships.
Yusuf Fehmi Genç Sets European Record
In the men’s 73 kg division, Turkish lifter Yusuf Fehmi Genç delivered a career-defining performance, etching his name into the record books with a 194 kg clean and jerk—a new European record. His total lift of 348 kg tied the European total record, and earned him gold in both the clean and jerk and total events. Genç’s explosive lifting and flawless execution were the culmination of years of disciplined training, and his triumph was met with roaring applause from a crowd that appreciated the significance of his achievement. With Turkey’s rich weightlifting history, Genç’s performance represents a powerful resurgence for the nation on the continental stage and signals a promising future for the 23-year-old lifter.
Eygló Fanndal Sturludóttir Makes History for Iceland
One of the most inspiring stories of the championships came from Iceland’s Eygló Fanndal Sturludóttir, who became the first athlete from her country to medal at a senior European weightlifting championship. Competing in the women’s 71 kg category, Sturludóttir lifted 109 kg in the snatch and followed with a powerful 135 kg clean and jerk, totaling 244 kg to claim the gold. Her historic win was not just a personal triumph, but a significant moment for Icelandic weightlifting, bringing attention and pride to a small but determined community of lifters. Sturludóttir’s emotional celebration on the podium resonated with fans across Europe, and her performance is already being hailed as a landmark achievement for women in Icelandic sport.
Emily Campbell Secures Fifth Consecutive European Title
Great Britain’s Emily Campbell once again proved her dominance in the women’s +87 kg category, winning her fifth straight European title and further establishing herself as a cornerstone of the British weightlifting program. With commanding lifts and unmatched consistency, Campbell demonstrated the poise and strength that have made her one of Europe’s most decorated lifters. Her performance in Chișinău not only added to her personal accolades but also inspired a new wave of young British lifters watching her from back home. As she prepares for the next Olympic cycle, Campbell’s continued excellence keeps Great Britain firmly on the map in international competition, and her leadership within the team has become as valuable as her medal count.
Emerging Talents and Notable Performances
The championships were also a platform for breakthrough performances from rising stars across the continent. Romania’s Mihaela Cambei made waves in the women’s 49 kg category, setting a new European clean and jerk record with 106 kg and achieving a total lift of 199 kg. Her poise and technical mastery under pressure marked her as a serious contender for future world titles. Meanwhile, in the men’s +109 kg division, Armenia’s Varazdat Lalayan added to his growing legend with another impressive showing, securing a spot on the podium and maintaining Armenia’s status as a heavyweight powerhouse. These athletes, along with others who narrowly missed records or claimed personal bests, are the next wave of European lifting excellence.
The 2025 European Weightlifting Championships in Chișinău will be remembered not just for the medals handed out, but for the spirit of competition, record-breaking determination, and the sense of shared progress within the sport. As the curtains close on a thrilling week, weightlifting fans are already looking ahead to the World Championships and Olympic qualifiers, knowing that the level of performance seen in Moldova has set a bold new standard. With legends like Karlos Nasar leading the way and young stars rising fast, the future of European weightlifting has never looked stronger.