Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar won the 89 kg title at the 2024 European Weightlifting Championships (EWC) in Sofia. He set his latest record - a junior world record snatch of 176 kg.

In front of a home crowd at the capital's Arena Sofia, the 19-year-old weightlifter earned the men's gold medal with a 391 kg bout, leaving behind Italy's Antonino Pizzolato at 380 kg and Moldova's Marin Robu at 378 kg. 

In addition to his new junior world record in the snatch, Nasar performed exceptionally well in the clean and jerks, lifting 215kg before failing on his third and final attempt. Although he had claimed a weight of 224 kg for his third attempt, enough for a men's world record, he didn't have to try as the Italian failed at 222 kg. 

This year's EWC, which takes place from 12th to 20th February in Bulgaria, is one of the last opportunities for aspiring weightlifters to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. Nasar, 19, made perhaps his best case yet as a favourite for gold in Paris this summer.

After his success on Saturday, Bulgaria now has four European titles in Sofia - Angel Rusev at 55kg, Gabriel Marinov at 61kg and Bozhidar Andreev at 73kg also won gold medals.