Velichko Cholakov

Velichko Cholakov was a Bulgarian weightlifter who gained international recognition for his remarkable strength, record-breaking performances, and dedication to the sport. Known for his powerful physique and competitive spirit, Cholakov represented Bulgaria and later Azerbaijan in several international competitions, including the Olympic Games, and became one of the leading figures in heavyweight weightlifting during the early 2000s.

Early Life and Background

Velichko Cholakov was born on 12 January 1982 in Smolyan, Bulgaria, a region known for producing several accomplished athletes. From an early age, he displayed exceptional physical strength and an aptitude for sports. He began weight training as a teenager under the guidance of local coaches who quickly recognised his potential in Olympic weightlifting.
By the late 1990s, Cholakov had joined Bulgaria’s national weightlifting programme, which was renowned for its rigorous training systems and international success. His natural talent, combined with disciplined technique and determination, enabled him to advance rapidly through the ranks of the junior and senior categories.

Rise to International Prominence

Cholakov’s career breakthrough came in the early 2000s when he emerged as one of the most promising super-heavyweight lifters in Europe. Competing in the +105 kg category, he consistently posted exceptional totals, often exceeding 450 kg across the snatch and clean-and-jerk events.
At the 2003 World Weightlifting Championships, he demonstrated his dominance by winning three bronze medals, establishing himself among the world’s elite. The following year, he represented Bulgaria at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where he won the bronze medal in the men’s +105 kg weight category with a total lift of 447.5 kg (205 kg in snatch and 242.5 kg in clean and jerk). His Olympic medal brought him national fame and solidified his place among Bulgaria’s top athletes.

Transition and Controversies

Cholakov’s career, however, was not without challenges. The Bulgarian weightlifting programme faced scrutiny due to recurring doping allegations during the 2000s, leading to sanctions and suspensions for several athletes. In the wake of these controversies, Cholakov’s progress was interrupted when he received a suspension related to doping violations.
Following his suspension, he sought to resume his career and later represented Azerbaijan, where he continued to compete internationally. The change in representation reflected both his determination to continue competing at the highest level and the turbulent nature of Bulgaria’s national weightlifting administration during that period.

Later Career and Achievements

After serving his suspension, Cholakov made a comeback to competitive lifting, participating in various international tournaments. Though he did not replicate his earlier Olympic success, he remained respected for his strength and perseverance. His lifting technique and ability to perform under pressure earned him admiration among peers and coaches alike.
He became a prominent figure in super-heavyweight lifting, known for his impressive physique, which often exceeded 160 kilograms in body weight, and his powerful execution of the clean-and-jerk movement. Despite recurring injuries and health challenges common in high-level weightlifting, he continued to train and compete for several years after his return.

Personal Life and Character

Velichko Cholakov was widely regarded as a humble, disciplined, and good-natured athlete. Fellow competitors and coaches often described him as quiet and focused, yet approachable and respected for his sportsmanship. Beyond his athletic achievements, he was involved in promoting weightlifting among young athletes in Bulgaria and contributed to local sports development initiatives.
However, the intense physical demands of professional weightlifting, combined with health complications related to his weight and training history, took a toll on his wellbeing.

Death and Legacy

Velichko Cholakov passed away on 20 August 2017 in Smolyan, Bulgaria, at the age of 35. His untimely death was attributed to heart-related complications, a condition often linked to the physical strain experienced by elite weightlifters. His passing shocked the international weightlifting community, and tributes poured in from athletes, coaches, and sports federations across Europe and Asia.
Cholakov’s legacy remains that of a dedicated and talented athlete who represented his nation with pride on the global stage. His achievements — particularly his 2004 Olympic bronze medal — continue to stand as a testament to Bulgaria’s strong tradition in weightlifting.

Significance in the Sport

Velichko Cholakov’s career encapsulated both the triumphs and the trials of modern competitive weightlifting. He exemplified the extraordinary strength and precision that define the sport, while also reflecting the broader challenges of maintaining integrity and health in high-performance athletics.
Despite the controversies that surrounded the era in which he competed, Cholakov’s personal determination, resilience, and sporting excellence ensured that he would be remembered as one of Bulgaria’s outstanding weightlifters of his generation.