Turkish weightlifters made a remarkable start at the European Junior and Under-23 Weightlifting Championships in Durres, Albania, capturing a total of 14 medals, including six golds, while setting five European records on the opening day of the competition. This impressive performance highlights Türkiye’s growing prominence in weightlifting and the dedication of its athletes.
Stellar Performances from Turkish Women
In the junior women’s 49-kilogram category, Ezgi Kilic showcased her talent by becoming the European champion. She achieved a total lift of 166 kilograms, combining her efforts in the snatch and clean and jerk events. Kilic earned silver medals in both individual disciplines, lifting 77 kilograms in the snatch and 89 kilograms in the clean and jerk, securing her place as the overall winner.
Competing alongside her, Aysu Bektas also made an impressive mark by winning a bronze medal in the snatch with a lift of 76 kilograms and finishing fourth in the clean and jerk with 88 kilograms. Her combined total of 164 kilograms placed her second overall, earning her a silver medal.
In the under-23 women’s 49-kilogram division, Gamze Altun further contributed to Türkiye’s medal count. She claimed two gold medals and set new European records with her clean and jerk lift of 101 kilograms and an overall total of 176 kilograms. Additionally, Altun secured a bronze medal in the snatch by lifting 75 kilograms.
Men’s U23 Division Breaks Records
The men’s under-23 60-kilogram category saw sensational performances from Turkish athletes as well. Yigit Erdogan distinguished himself by taking home two gold medals and setting European records in the snatch with a lift of 123 kilograms and in the overall total with 275 kilograms. Erdogan also earned a silver medal in the clean and jerk after lifting 152 kilograms.
Another Turkish competitor, Ramazan Efe Yilmaz, also made history in the same division by winning a gold medal in the clean and jerk with a lift of 155 kilograms. Yilmaz added to his accolades with a bronze in the snatch, having lifted 117 kilograms, and secured an overall silver medal with a total of 272 kilograms. This stellar performance by both athletes highlighted Türkiye’s dominance in the weightlifting arena.
The combination of these achievements not only emphasizes the strength and skill of Turkish weightlifters but also bodes well for the future of the sport in Türkiye. With an impressive opening day and an eye on further success, the Turkish team aims to continue its strong performance throughout the championships, showcasing both talent and determination.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Türkiye’s weightlifting team to see if they can maintain their momentum and add even more medals to their tally. The performance at the European Junior and U23 Weightlifting Championships signifies a bright future for Turkish weightlifting, strengthening its reputation on the European and global stages.