Ancient Olympia – insights from the first edition of the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) Cup

Ancient Olympia became the new spotlight town to gather 12 European countries with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Refugee Team. The athletes witnessed an event of an overwhelming impression.

As many as 40 athletes entered the full competition of snatch, clean and jerk in an event rated as an all-round success by its founders, the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF). There were just 5 minutes allocated for three attempts to reach a score measured using Sinclair points.

The ancient picturesque scenery and green parks around them created the feeling of having rest. All sportsmen thus performed absolutely fine, the teamwork was incredible and the teams were named after Greek cities.

Three winners include Team Knossos which consists of Toma Loredana and Lucas Muller, scored for first place with outstanding results (645.98 Sinclair points), Team Thiva, Atenery Hernandez from Spain and Artur Mugurdumov from Israel scored second (644.63 points), while the third place was taken by Team Athina, including Erin Barton from Britain and Ferdi Hardal from Turkey (643.54).

Both the organizers and sportsmen agreed the format should be developed next year. They recognized the incredible unity and special atmosphere of the event. It was agreed it is necessary to find a mixed gender event for the 2028 Olympics.