IWF120y/2 – 1988-1996: Naim Suleymanoglu becomes a legend

Despite his short height (1.47m), Naim Suleymanoglu is considered one of the greatest weightlifters in history, after being the first to earn three gold medals at the Olympic Games. Initially representing Bulgaria (he was born in January 1967 in Ptichar to Turkish parents), he decides in 1986 (due to ethnic tensions) to flee his country and move to Turkiye, where he received support from the local authorities. Under the Turkish flag, Suleymanoglu successfully competed in the 1988 Games in Seoul, getting the gold and three new World Records on the way (Snatch – 152.5kg, Clean & Jerk – 190kg, and Total – 342.5kg). These performances would remain his best results until the end of his career, but in 1992 in Barcelona, and 1996 in Atlanta he earns Olympic gold on both occasions, respectively in the 60kg and 64kg men’s category – a legend was born! To this incredible feat, the “Pocket Hercules” (nickname by which he was known) also added seven IWF World Championships titles and 46 WR to his roll of honour! Suleymanoglu died in November 2017, at only 50.