A two-time Olympic weightlifter (1968, 1972), Atanas Kirov had his greatest success at other tournaments. He was a three-time World Champion, winning the bantamweight title consecutively from 1973-75. Kirov won four European titles, winning the bantamweight class in 1969 and 1973-75. He also earned a World silver medal in 1969. Kirov set two official world records in the total, with 257.5 kg in September 1973 in Havana, Cuba; and 260.0 kg in February 1974 in his hometown of Burgas. For his achievements he was made an honorary citizen of Burgas. Kirov was responsible for starting the long-line of great Bulgarian lifters, especially in the lighter classes.
Bulgaria