Nikolaj Pešalov
Nikolaj Pešalov (Bulgarian: Николай Славев Пешалов, Nikolay Slavev Peshalov; born on May 30, 1970 in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria) is an Olympic and World former champion in weightlifting. For the first part of his career he competed under the Bulgarian flag, but later moved to Croatia which he represented internationally.
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 a Croatian passport. He resides in both Sofia (Bulgaria) and Split (Croatia).
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);