IWF120y/92 – 1997: Last major title for Bulgarian ace Yoto Yotov

In a country of great weightlifters in the history of the Olympic Games and World Championships, Yoto Yotov certainly ranks among the most illustrious athletes of Bulgaria. Born in May 1969, he still competes in the junior category when he earns his first medals at international level – silver at the 1988 Junior Champs and gold in the 1989 edition in Fort Lauderdale (photo). In that same year, he also shines at the senior IWF showcase, clinching silver in the 67.5kg category. In 1991, he finally gets his first senior world title – two more will follow, in 1993 and 1997. In between, he takes part in two Olympic Games – Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996. On both occasions, he is the runner-up: in Spain, in the 67.5kg category, he lifts 150-177.5-327.5 (the gold goes to Israel Militosyan, from the Unified Team, with a Total of 337.5kg), while in the USA he competes in the 76kg category, and reaches 160-200-360 (the winner is Pablo Lara, from Cuba, with 367.5kg). Besides these achievements, Yotov has three additional silver medals at the IWF Worlds (1990, 1994, and 1995), and six European victories (consecutive triumphs from 1990 to 1994, and then 1997). Winner of three IWF World Cups (1989, 1900 and 1991), he was voted the 1997 “Sportsperson of the Year” in Bulgaria, and in 2020 he was awarded the highest state honour in the field of Sport – the “Wreath of the Winner”. Last but not least, the Bulgarian ace also set two World Records during his successful career – one in Clean & Jerk (192.5kg) and one in Total (345kg), both established in 1994.