PHOTO // Over 20 medals for Moldova at U-15 and U-17 European Weightlifting Championships in Pristina

The national weightlifting team of the Republic of Moldova won over 20 medals and set several European records at the U-15 and U-17 European Championships held in Pristina, Kosovo, among the best results being those obtained by Nicoleta Cojocaru, Tudor Cristea and Nicolae Chihai.

One of the most spectacular performances was that of Nicoleta Cojocaru, from Ungheni, who competed in the U-17 up to 57 kg category. She won three gold medals and set two European records. Cojocaru lifted 87 kg in the snatch and 108 kg in the clean and jerk, and with a total of 195 kg she became, for the second consecutive year, European champion in this age category. In the U-15 men's competition, Tudor Cristea won gold in the 51 kg category after lifting 83 kg in the snatch and 101 kg in the clean and jerk. With a total of 184 kg, the Moldovan athlete ranked first. His teammate, Ilia Costic, won three silver medals.

The first medals for the Republic of Moldova at the competition were won by Ecaterina Vîrlan, from Nisporeni, in the 45 kg category. She lifted 59 kg in the snatch and finished third, claiming the bronze medal. In the clean and jerk, she lifted 70 kg and placed fourth. With a total of 129 kg, Vîrlan finished the event in third place and secured another bronze medal. In the U-17 category, Nicolae Chihai earned three silver medals in the 55 kg class. He lifted 99 kg in the snatch and 127 kg in the clean and jerk, a result that set a new European record. Chihai achieved a total of 226 kg.

Three silver medals were also won by Gabriela Danilov, in the U-17 women’s up to 53 kg category. She lifted 76 kg in the snatch and 93 kg in the clean and jerk, for a total of 168 kg.

Moldova’s medal tally was completed by Iulian Danalachi, who claimed three bronze medals in the U-15 70 kg category. He lifted 96 kg in the snatch and 118 kg in the clean and jerk, and with a total of 214 kg he placed third.

The European Weightlifting Championships for U-15 and U-17 athletes are taking place from 20 to 27 August 2026 in Pristina.