Long-time rivals Karlos Nasar (BUL -89kg) and Antonino (Nino) Pizzolato (ITA -89kg) have been battling it out for years in-competition and on social media. They first locked horns at the European Championships in 2021.
As we approach the Olympic Games the two are enjoying a bit of online rivalry, all in good jest, of course.
A fun social media battle isn’t new to them. In the past Karlos Nasar and Antonino Pizzolato have enjoyed a social media rivalry along with Tian Tao (CHN -89kg). Our video of their squat battle went viral in 2022 with over 4.8 million views. Watch it here 👈
Watch our 2023 coverage of their battles here 👈
But recently Karlos Nasar and Antonino Pizzolato seem to have turned it up a notch and they are clearly enjoying it. Weightlifting rarely has the same level of inter-athlete ‘smack talk’ that other sports have, and so seeing this tongue in cheek battle is exciting, and the fans love it.
But first…
A SHORT COMPETITION HISTORY OF THE RIVALRY
In the weeks building up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, despite it looking as though Karlos Nasar was starting to run away with the rivalry, Antonino Pizzolato made a post on instagram.
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Nino initiates.
A 160kg push press and with the caption ‘I’m here 😉’
He followed it up shortly after with an enormous 230kg jerk, 7kg over the world record clean and jerk. -
Karlos responded.
A 220kg clean and jerk with the caption ‘220 kg I’m here too ! 🫵 @nino_pizzolato’ -
Nino responded.
A 250kg back squat for a set of five with the caption ‘I’m ready bro 😎 ➡️ @karlos_nasar_’ -
Karlos commented
Written underneath Nino’s post was a comment from Karlos saying ‘I’m happy to see that you’re ready bro, I was little concerned about you. I haven’t patience to see you in Paris for another great battle ✊ -
Karlos responded moments later.
A 230kg clean and… well the video goes black with ‘to be continued’ fading on screen. Karlos’ caption? ‘MEOW’...
This could be the end of the social media battle between Karlos Nasar and Antonino Pizzolato until the Olympic Games.
Weightlifting House will be hosting pre-shows and post-shows as well as Watch Parties on WLHOUSE TV of all of the battles. Don’t miss it 👈
