Another clip from the 1988 Bulgarians Training Hall DVD.
Stefan Botev (110kg lifter at the time) with what looks like 5 reds? + collars on each side.
That would make it a 275kg Clean.
Post your weight guesses in the comments.
Update: Matt in the comments said:
He [Abadjiev] said he never let Botev do more than 260 (which he did for a double very easily) in training and that it took several lifters to restrain him from loading the bar to 270 which he wanted to do. It is not 275.
Update: Regarding the weight, check out this article, which confims what Matt said.
Thanks Roberto.
Jay says
This being out of competition and him therefore likely being heavier than 110 and not exactly clean I can see this being 275, though that would still be incredibly easy.
First thing that came to my mind was that it might be 4 reds each side which would make it 225. But then that lift looks a lot harder than 225 should for Botev.
GregorATG says
Yep, I think we can rule out 225kg. Maybe it’s something with the plates…or actually uber human 275kg
Roberto says
well,my guess is 255, four reds one yellow plus 2,5. by the way botev do not miss jerk under 250.
GregorATG says
Mhh, I don’t see a yellow in there. We have to wait until Stefan comments here…
Pussy Wagon says
Maybe he’s using silly crossfit plates. Take 5kg off each plate. Roflcopter.
Matt says
I am currently training under Ivan Avadjiev at Podium Gold weightlifitng club and have talked to him about his previous lifters. He said he never let Botev do more than 260 (which he did for a double very easily) in training and that it took several lifters to restrain him from loading the bar to 270 which he wanted to do. It is not 275. Also he said that the weight is incorrect on the video just posted of Asan Zlatev, he said he never did more than 225 during training at that time in Japam in 88. He wanted to but Abadjiev told him it was unnecessary.
GregorATG says
I saw your clips on Podium Gold’s channel. Thanks for the info Matt.
Still the question remains, how much is it?
Roberto says
Botev and Pisarenko were the strongest men that walked on earth
GregorATG says
No doubt about that!
jim says
lets all worship at the alter of steroids
GregorATG says
I’d rather admire hard work, and the courage to step under weights like that.
garage strength says
I love and admire these videos. But after Hysen Pulsing has been busted its getting old with Abadjiev. His system may have worked but apparently only with the special aid.
garage strength says
Pulaku not Pulsing.
GregorATG says
🙂 there is an “Edit” button on the bottom right of your comment. (Next to reply)
GregorATG says
I can still enjoy big lifts.
It takes so much heart and guts to get to that level. PEDs or not.
Mark Clegg says
It took several of his team mates to restrain him from putting 270kg on the bar .. ????
What a load of BOLLOX !