A Colomyia-born lifter clinched continental gold in St. Julian’s after a dramatic deadlift. The victory came at the European Championships and highlighted Ukraine’s strength in classic powerlifting.
In the town of St. Julian’s in Malta, the European Championship in classic powerlifting is underway.
According to the event’s official website, the continent’s champion in the 120 kg weight category is Ukrainian Taras Melnychuk. The 25-year-old native of Kolomyia won gold in the total for the three lifts with a result of 957.5 kg (squat 355 kg, bench press 240 kg, deadlift 362.5 kg).
Results in the 120 kg category and other medalists
Second place went to Frenchman Antoni de Roden with a total of 947.5 kg (330 kg squat + 230 kg bench press + 387.5 kg deadlift); third place was taken by Majid Suleiman Abdul from the United Kingdom – 945 kg (362.5 kg + 215 kg + 367.5 kg).
The Poltava-born Anatoliy Novopysmennyi took silver in the 105 kg category.
The European Championship in Malta will conclude on March 22.
The 2026 World Powerlifting Championship is scheduled to take place November 13–21 in Dubai (UAE).
Continental-level competitions showcase the high level of competition and the skill of Ukrainian athletes on the European stage.
