Nikolaj Pešalov

Nikolay Peshalov (; born on May 30, 1970) is a Bulgarian-born Croatian Olympic and World former champion in weightlifting.

During his long and successful career, Pešalov was World champion eight times in various categories and disciplines, and broke several world records. His Olympic medals are split between Bulgaria (1992 and 1996) and Croatia (2000 and 2004). In 2000 he was granted Croatian citizenship, and he now holds besides Bulgarian, a Croatian passport. He resides in both Sofia and Split.

Further achievements Senior world champion (1990, 1993, 1994); Silver medalist in Senior World Championships (1989 and 1998); Bronze medalist in Senior World Championships (1995); Senior European champion (1991–1995, 1997, 2000, 2001); Silver medalist in Senior European Championships (1989, 1990, 2004); Set five world records during career.

Major results Year Venue Weight Snatch (kg) Clean & Jerk (kg) Total Rank 1 2 3 Rank 1 2 3 Rank Olympic Games 1992 Barcelona, Spain 60 kg 132.5 137.5 137.5 2 162.5 162.5 167.5 2 305.0 1996 Atlanta, United States 59 kg 132.5 132.5 137.5 3 162.5 162.5 165.0 4 302.5 2000 Sydney, Australia 62 kg 145.0 150.0 150.0 1 175.0 185.0 - 1 325.0 2004 Athens, Greece 69 kg 150.0 150.0 155.0 3 182.5 187.5 192.5 1 337.5

Weightlifting career bests Snatch: 150.0 kg in the class to 62 kg; Clean and jerk: 187.5 kg 2004 Summer Olympics in the class to 69 kg; Total: 312.5 kg (137.5 + 175.0) 1992 European Weightlifting Championships in the class to 60 kg; Total: 325.0 kg 2000 Summer Olympics in the class to 62 kg (Olympic record); Total: 337.5 kg 2004 Summer Olympics in the class to 69 kg.

World records + = equalization of world record Discipline Result Date and place clean and jerk -59kg 170kg May 1995., Warsawbiathlon -62kg 325kg Apr 2000., Sofiabiathlon -62kg 325kg Sep 2000., Sydney