Zlatan Vanev turned in an outstanding performance to win the 77-kg category at the 2000 European Weightlifting Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Vanev smoked all three of his snatches, ending with 165, while Plamen Jeliazkov only made one good lift (162.5). Vanev went on to clean and jerk 207.5 on his second attempt, for a 372.5 total. Jeliaskov was second with 162.5/202.5 for a 365 total.