Botev Out of the '99 Worlds...
by Randall J. Strossen, IronMind Enterprises, Inc. © 1999
Stefan Botev reinjured his shoulder several weeks ago, making it "impossible" that he will compete in this year's World Weightlifting Championships, and making it uncertain that he will be able to start at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Botev said that he dislocated his shoulder while doing a 150 kg snatch, and that at present he is training, but is not doing any snatches or clean and jerks. Looking toward the future, Botev said he will go to Australia for an medical evaluation next week, with the goal of determining whether or not surgery can restore his shoulder to its full function.