Talal Najjar

Talal Najjar took up weightlifting in 1969 and, within two years, was runner-up in the heavyweight division at the Syrian National Championships. He won his first national title in 1973 and had his first major international victory, at the Arab Championships, in 1974. He was national champion again in 1975, defended his Arab title in 1976 and 1978, and took gold at the Asian Games in the latter year.

In 1979, Najjar switched to the super-heavyweight division and captured gold at that year’s Mediterranean Games. He was selected to represent Syria at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where he placed eighth, although he earned another gold medal at the Asian Championships the following year, and at the Asian Games in 1982. In 1983 he was both Asian and Mediterranean Champion, while in 1985 he was once again Arab champion. After taking bronze at the 1987 Mediterranean Games, he retired from active competition. He later worked as a coach and administrator in his sport. His most notable position in the latter capacity was as vice-president of the Syrian Weightlifting Federation from 2000 through 2003.