Athens
Weightlifting is in the program of the first Olympic Games of the modern times. One-hand snatch and two-hand clean and jerk formed the program for six athletes from five
London
In an international competition with seven athletes from six countries, Levy Lawrence Edward (GBR) gained the title “Amateur Champion Weightlifter of the
Vienna
The “Österreichischer Athleten Bund” (founded in December 1889) is officially recognised by the Imperial and Royal Governorship and became the first world’s national governing body for
Kazakh chances
None of the Olympic Champions of Beijing are in a position to repeat their victories at 2009 and 2010 World Championships. Instead of outstanding stars of the different categories we can enjoy sharp competition with field filled by many lifters to establish a claim to the first place on the podium. On the final result lists of Goyang and Antalya we can find only two shining athletes who may grab the maximum three World Championships gold medals during the period between Beijing and London. Both of them are representing Kazakhstan. Maiya Maneza has a chance to defend her title of 2009 and 2010. Maneza without registered result this year has very strong rivals to stop her on the way the grab her third victory in a row.Her compatriot Svetlana Podobedova not marked on 2011 World Ranking List at all will be challenged by the Russian tandem of Zabolotnaya and
Kostova and Hristov to lift for Azerbaijan
Bulgarian weightlifting federation has issued a permit for Boyanka Kostova and Valentin Hristov to compete for Azerbaijan during the forthcoming Wolrd Championships. Kostova was approached by the Azeri delegation right after she won the title at tha First Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Because of a long ongoing dispute about her licence she left her home of birth and decided to accept the option along with her coach Latchezer Kishkilov. The duo left for Baku in summer. Kostova is the niece of former world record holder and champion Plamen Zheliaskov. Hristov competed for Azerbaijan in the last European Championships and was about to receive a gold medal, when was omitted from the official results list due to lack of permit from Bulgaria. In the next few days the two federations will have to work out a transfer fee agreement, explained Nedelcho Kolev, President of Bulgarian
Calancea: Paris is a step towards my Olympic Gold Medal Dream
Grabbing Gold in Clean and Jerk (220 kg) and Bronze in the Total (397 kg) at the 2010 World Weightlifting Championship, Valeriu Calancea (94 kg) had to practice hard to tower his previous results in Paris. „Lia Manoliu" National Sports Centre has become his second home during the last ten years. Or better to say his real home regarding those endless weeks and months he spends here. Valeriu is one of the first golden „implants" in Romanian sports. He comes from Moldavian Republic who changed to represent Romania in 1999 because he's aiming for gold at the Oympics. Next year's Olympic Games means only one dream for him: the gold medal. "Once I want to retire with the most shiny medal hanging around my neck. This is the reason why I keep on fighting hour by hour", Calancea explains. He already has Olympic experiences from Sydney (ranked 10th) and Athens. "I wanted to leave my place of birth as I thought I will be given more chances in another country combined with more money to prepare for great championships. I have no regret for my decision." Calancea added. "Two or three times a year I get home. Leaving trainings often destroys your rhythm; therefore you have to start from scratch when you return"The curtain in Paris is going to be raised soon. "I always get nervous. It is difficult to be cold-blooded when you are fighting for a medal. Besides that, the fact that you cannot disappoint others adds to the tension", he says. A year ago he missed his last attempt, Clean and Jerk with 226 kilos, which could have given him Gold in Overall. "This year I prepared better not to make a mistake like that…". Written by Dumitru
