13/05/2026
Danylo Kovalov (Ukraine)Open Division / 120 kg Class
Former Sub-Junior European Champion, two-time Junior World Champion, two-time Junior European Champion, Open World Champion, three-time Open European Champion, and World Games bronze medalist, Danylo arrived in Czechia determined to reinforce his dominant position in the 120 kg class and secure his second consecutive — and fourth overall — European title in the Open Division.
In the squat, Danylo completed all three attempts and finished with an outstanding 454 kg, setting a new World Record in the 120 kg class.
In the bench press, his first two attempts looked effortless, with 325 kg and 342.5 kg successfully completed. On his third attempt, he once again attacked the World Record. The 356.5 kg was very close, but he was just unable to complete the lockout.
Even so, by this point Danylo had already secured gold medals in both the squat and bench press, while building an unquestionable lead after two disciplines.
In the deadlift, he successfully lifted 337.5 kg on his second attempt, bringing his total to 1134 kg and setting another new World Record, this time in total.
But Danylo was not done yet. On his third attempt, he called for 355 kg, aiming for yet another World Record to complete a spectacular performance. This time, however, the lift was not successful.
Still, nothing could take away from what had already been an extraordinary display.
Two World Records in squat and total, a commanding victory with a 99 kg margin over his closest rival, and a second consecutive — fourth overall — European title sent a clear message to the powerlifting world: despite his absence from last year’s World Games and World Championships, Danylo remains one of the elite athletes in global heavyweight powerlifting.
He proved once again that his place is among the best in the world — and perhaps the next step is a return to the top of the World Championships podium.
