Text size

Olympic weightlifting medalist Velichko Cholakov passed away

published on 8/20/17 4:45 PM

Photo: library

Fans of sport in Bulgaria were saddened on Sunday by the news of the sudden death of Bulgarian weightlifting champion Velichko Cholakov, aged 35.

Cholakov felt bad in the morning in his home and doctors were called but the emergency team could not save him. The weightlifter, also known as Iron Man, had a heart condition but the reason for his death is yet to be confirmed.

Velichko Cholakov was a bronze medalist from the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 in the 105-kg category, which makes him the only Bulgarian Olympic medalist in weightlifting in this heaviest category. Cholakov also grabbed the world champion's title, as well as the European champion's title in the same category.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Sport weightlifting

More from category

Two world records and a European title for Karlos Nasar at European Championships in Moldova

With two world records in his new category up to 97 kg, Bulgarian weightlifter Carlos Nassar won the European title, leaving no doubt who the current and future leader is. The Olympic gold medalist from Paris improved his best achievements in the..

published on 4/20/25 12:20 PM

Bulgarian ensemble wins all-around gold at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku

The Bulgarian ensemble consisting of Sofia Ivanova, Alina Kolomiets, Suzan Puladian, Danaya Atanasova and Victoria Georgieva won the title in the all-around at the World Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Baku . The silver medal went to the current Olympic..

published on 4/20/25 10:50 AM

Gold for Maria-Magdalena Kireva at the European Weightlifting Championships

Maria-Magdalena Kireva has won a gold medal in the women's 76 kg category at the European Weightlifting Championships in Chisinau. The Bulgarian had a total of 226 kg (106 and 120). She made successful attempts in the snatch with..

published on 4/19/25 10:15 AM

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Min: 13 | Max: 25

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

Share

Olympic weightlifting medalist Velichko Cholakov passed away

More from category

Two world records and a European title for Karlos Nasar at European Championships in Moldova

Bulgarian ensemble wins all-around gold at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku

Gold for Maria-Magdalena Kireva at the European Weightlifting Championships

Bulgaria wins gold in the Senior Group Cross Battles at the Rhythmic Gymnastics European Cup

Bulgaria’s junior group wins three gold medals at the 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Cup in Baku

Grigor Dimitrov climbs to 15th in ATP rankings