Pashaev Wins 94's
by Randall J. Strossen, IronMind Enterprises, Inc. © 2002
Warsaw, Poland – Nizami Pashaev (AZE) won the 94-kg category at the World Weightlifting Championships.
Defending world champion Kouroush Bagheri (IRI) looked like he might repeat last year's performance when he missed his first two snatches (177.5 kg), but he jumped to 180 on his third and missed again. Returning to international competition after battling injuries for the last two years, Oliver Caruso (GER) made three good snatches when it counted (172.5-, 177.5- and 180-kg), and won the gold medal in the snatch for his efforts. Silver in the snatch went to Pashaev (177.5) and Milen Dobrov (BUL) got the bronze with his 175-kg lift.
Competition in the clean and jerk was well below the world record, and Pashaev got the gold for his 215. Dobrov got the bronze on 212.5. Bagheri picked up the bronze for his 210-kg opener, his only good lift of the evening.
Earlier in the day, Agata Wroebel (POL) rocked the place as spectators filled every seat, lined the steps, and jammed the doorways as they cheered her winning performance (125/162.5) in the women's +75-kg category. Wroebel's performance looked strong throughout, as she only missed her opening snatch(120), although it looked very light for her. Albina Khomitch (RUS) got the silver (132.5/150) in the total, and Tang Gonghong (CHN) got the bronze medal (117.5/160).