The European champion in weightlifting in the 94 kg category Carlos Nassar said upon his return to Bulgaria that he did not show his strongest competition, but expects significantly better results at the world championships at the end of the year. “I am glad that I had an audience in Georgia. It is a great respect that the Minister of Youth and Sports Dimitar Iliev came to meet me, and Deputy Minister Daniela Dasheva was at the competition itself. This means a lot, because the minister helped us prepare very well. The competition in Batumi was not the most difficult, it was a bit of a stalemate. But this is a step forward towards my next goals. I was riding at lower speeds because I wasn't in optimal shape“, admitted Nassar, who won his fourth European title.
He added that the competition at the world championships will be significantly more serious and higher results will be needed. Nassar explained that the missed attempt in the clean and jerk was the result of rushing, and the last attempt at the record was influenced by emotions after the title already won.
The weightlifter emphasized that his preparation continues without a break and the focus is now entirely on the world championships and the World Cup, which are also important for the Olympic rankings.
“I don't have time to rest. I start preparing for the world championships next week. "I currently have a good team and I hope we can achieve more successes," he said.
Nasar also praised the performance of the entire Bulgarian team, expressing pride in his teammates' medals.
Bronze medalist in the 110 kg category Hristo Hristov also commented on his return, stating that he is happy to be back among the best, but regrets the mistakes he made that cost him the title.
“I changed everything in my preparation, but the most important thing is that I am back. This is my strongest competition so far. I am half satisfied - I know I could have come first. I beat myself," said Hristov.
He added that he will strive for an even stronger performance at the World Championships in China and is already thinking fully about his future competitions.