The 2023 European Masters Games continue to unfold with an abundance of captivating narratives and incredible moments.

During the weightlifting event, a remarkable feat was accomplished by Albinas Vytautas Nauseda, an 86-year-old Lithuanian athlete. Despite being the oldest competitor in the series, he displayed an exceptional performance, lifting 26kg in the snatch and 34kg in the clean and jerk, totalling 60kg. As a result, he emerged victorious in his category, earning a well-deserved gold medal. The crowd in Nääshall responded with an enthusiastic round of applause, recognising and appreciating the outstanding achievement of the oldest participant in the competition.

“My life is a sport. I love to move. I used to set a record of 97kg, but it’s great that I can still be active in the sport and compete,” says Nauseda.

Nauseda has toured masters competitions around the world. During his weightlifting career, the Lithuanian has competed in 15 European Championships and 14 World Championships in the masters series. Currently, his goal is to make the weightlifting “Hall of Fame” as the oldest weightlifter with the most competitions and to aim for the next World Masters Games.

“I have attended many many masters events. My goal is to get my name on a list that has toured every possible weightlifting competition”.

Nauseda, who competed in the 55kg category, follows a weekday training schedule that even surpasses the weekly routine of a  slightly younger athlete.

“I love to practice. I currently train about 4 times a week. Weightlifting is a great sport when you can do it at a slightly older age”, laughs Nauseda.

Maksimas Kolesnikovas, a younger Lithuanian competitor who was Nauseda’s guardian, stresses that Nauseda is a truly respected masters athlete:

“He’s a real superhero for masters-age weightlifters, you saw how the crowd went wild when Nauseda was on stage”.

Image: (C) Tampereen Kameraseura