Norair Nurikyan

Norair Nurikyan (, ; 26 July 1948 – 11 March 2025) was a Bulgarian weightlifter of Armenian descent, who was a two-time Olympic Champion and was awarded the Hero of Socialist Labor of Bulgaria and Order of the Bulgaria, First Degree titles. In 1994, Nurikyan was inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame.

Early life Norair was born in Sliven, Bulgaria to Armenian parents. His father was a baker and was very strong physically. Norair believed he inherited his father's strength. Like most Armenians in Sliven, Nurikyan took violin lessons. In 1958–1959, one of his teachers, who noticed his strong looks, told him "You won't make a violinist. You'd make a boxer."

The first sport Nurikyan took part in was basketball. He used to play with Boycho Branzov, a Bulgarian basketball player who became a key member of the national team. Nurikyan was too short to succeed in basketball. In their spare time, Norair and two of his friends decided to go into the weightlifting hall, where he was spotted by weightlifting coach Ivan Abadjiev. Abadjiev offered Nurikyan to start training with him, feeling his talents were better spent in weightlifting. Nurikyan decided to accept his offer. Abadjiev then promised him he'd make great progress in a year. Exactly one year later, Nurikyan became a Master of Sports.

Weightlifting achievements Olympic champion – 1972, 1976. World champion – 1972, 1976. Silver medalist in World Championships – 1973. Bronze medalist in World Championships – 1971, 1974. European champion – 1976. Silver medalist in European Championships – 1972, 1973. Bronze medalist in European Championships – 1969, 1974. Set four world records during his career.