Varazdat Lalayan eyes world records after third European title

Olympic silver medalist and two-time world champion Varazdat Lalayan claimed his third European weightlifting crown in Batumi, but says he must lift heavier to contend at the World Championships.

The Armenian super-heavyweight won gold with a total of 451 kilograms, lifting 210 kilograms in the snatch and 241 kilograms in the clean and jerk. He topped both disciplines to secure the title.

“This was a successful competition for me because I won, but my results were not high,” Lalayan told reporters. “The competition overall was weak, and I lifted the weights I was prepared for.”

Lalayan said he is focused on raising his performance for the global stage. “I will improve my results at the World Championships, lift heavier weights, because with these kilograms I cannot fight for a medal or victory,” he said.

He added that his team’s long-term ambition is to set world records. “We will try to reach that goal,” Lalayan said.

The athlete is currently resting before resuming training for the World Championships later this year.