Garik Karapetyan won Bronze in the Men’s 102 kg Category (2024 IWF European Championships)

The European Championships in Sofia are coming to their conclusion, and so naturally, it was time for the heavyweight categories to begin. During day 8, we saw a tremendous battle for the top podium spots during the men’s 102 kg category, with most of the athletes performing to the very best of their ability. 

Garik Karapetyan from Armenia was one of those, starting his competition daily incredibly by getting 182 kg on his second Snatch attempt and claiming the gold medal for the movement.

Unfortunately, his great run of form didn’t translate onto the C&J, where he failed on his first attempt of 211 kg, then got his second for 212 kg and couldn’t achieve more on his final attempt.

However, with a total of 394 kg, the Armenian placed third overall in the men’s 102 kg, leaving the Europeans with two medals – a gold for his Snatch and a bronze overall. 

In 2023, Karapetyan won the European and World Juniors for the 102 kg category while also setting a new Junior World Record for the Snatch of 183 kg, a record he was aiming to beat in Sofia, trying for 182 on his final attempt on the Snatch.  

If you want to continue following the European Championships, make sure to stay up-to-date with our blog until the 20th of February, when the competition in Sofia will end. And for more exciting content, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and check out our Instagram page.