1983 Record Makers IV | Allentown Pennsylvania | Snatch

„This was the first time most of us had seen or even heard of Naim Suleimanov (BUL), but it would obviously not be the last. The 16 year old prodigy set senior world records in the c&j and total. That’s insane for a 16 year old, but of course Naim was no ordinary teenager and eventually became the greatest lifter of all time. Lifting in the 56kg class, Naim snatched 117,5, followed by 125 (which was a junior wr.) and then missed a senior world record of 127,5 on his third and subsequent fourth attempt. 60kg world champion Yurik Sarkisyan (USSR) was overweight and lifted in the 67,5 class. He snatched 125 easily but missed 130 twice. In the 75kg class was Yanko Rusev (BUL), one of the superstars of the day with five consecutive world titles. Rusev wasn’t in top shape but still made some decent lifts. He snatched 145, 150, then 155 for his third. Asen Zlatev (BUL) had done 180 220 to winning the 82,5 class at the 1982 worlds, but was clearly not in top shape here. He snatched 160 and 165