In the world of weightlifting, the name of Carlos Nassar is synonymous with exceptional talent and uncompromising success. But behind every record and medal lies a much deeper and more complex story. Part of this second plan came to light during the interview of Olympic, world and European weightlifting champion Carlos Nassar for NOVA, Gong.bg reported.
In a frank conversation with Mariyan Stankov – Mondeo for “Wake up“, Nassar offered us a deeply personal journey, revealing that his “thrown six“ is not just an expression of self-confidence, but a philosophy built on upbringing, valor and honesty.
“My die is thrown on a six. Many people are fans of the bars because I'm there“, shared Nassar.
“The things that have helped me succeed are not physical, I am made of upbringing, valor, honesty. I feel best with my family. My grandmother raised two generations, at the same time she loved the same man, with whom they went through great difficulties. And they stayed together. A woman like Grandma Maya has great qualities, when you see this, you say to yourself, I have nothing“, he shared.
Regarding his childhood, he reveals that he had to deal with problems in the family from a young age.
“Carlos Nassar was born into a parental misunderstanding, which forced him to grow up early, I had to swallow that my father left. I began to feel anger towards him. When he called me, I thought maybe he was sorry for what happened. It took me maybe 3 years to forgive, during which I was like a stone, without a drop of compromise in my eyes. He also had a difficult childhood and I don't blame him for the act itself, I blame him for allowing us to have a difficult childhood like his.“
The Olympic champion returned to the coach who predicted his great future - Ilian Iliev.
„My coach Ilian Iliev kept telling everyone that I would become a world champion. He said it not only to me, but to everyone he met.“
„The biggest victory for me personally is the Olympic title, because I had promised it to Ilian Iliev. At the moment when I thought I was the strongest, I tore my Achilles. Months before the Olympic Games. There was a domestic incident. The federation said they would cover the expenses, and then they stopped answering the phone“, he recalls.
“I want a truce with everyone, the things that are due to me as an athlete, that's what I want. But Carlos Nassar is one thing, the federation is another. They have to provide peace, I'm going home to Bulgaria and I'm covered in troubles. Professionals need to enter the federation. Two people work in it. If I show you the contract, you'll laugh out loud. The most absurd thing is that if I don't get my funds, I have no right to ask for them. I've already told Stefan Botev what I need to, we're waiting for his word, because he's the head of this federation.“
“Many people tell me it's like in football. It's not like in football. I'll carry a different flag on my back, and when I become champion, I'll listen to a different anthem. I will hug other people and be in another place."
„I turned down Bahrain, but I think that this intersection with the federation can be found. It would not be pleasant for me to compete for another country. This is not the first time I have been to Bahrain. I was there by invitation for the Asian Youth Games. As a guest. Indeed, money was put on the table. Quite a lot of pressure to stay there. But I did not go to negotiations, I did not go with the thought that I could stay there. They offered me 2 million dollars a year“, said Carlos Nassar.
„I had no pretensions that I would enter politics. I want to do things that have not been done, so I am looking forward to the next Olympics. I want history to write that I am a good example“, the great champion further specified.