Yusuf Fehmi Genç

Yusuf Fehmi Genç, born May 23rd, 2002, in Ordu, Turkey, is a Turkish weightlifter competing in the 67 kg and 73 kg categories. Known for his explosive strength and rapid rise through youth, junior, and senior competitions, he has established himself as one of Turkey’s leading male lifters.

Genç first drew international attention in 2019 as a youth competitor, winning gold in clean&jerk, bronze in snatch, and silver overall at the World Youth Championships. He continued his junior success in 2021, earning bronze at the Junior World Championships, demonstrating that he could compete with the best of his generation.

Transitioning to senior-level competition, Genç made his mark at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships in Bogotá, lifting 140 kg in snatch and 182 kg in clean&jerk and posting a total of 322 kg. This performance earned him gold in the clean&jerk and Turkey’s first men’s world championship gold in seven years, signaling his arrival at the top of the sport.

In 2023, he competed at the European Championships in the 73 kg class, finishing gold in clean&jerk with 186 kg and 5th overall with a total of 332 kg. The following year, at the European Junior & U23 Championships, he secured the title in the 67 kg division with lifts of 144 kg in snatch, 176 kg in clean&jerk, and a 320 kg total. Later in 2024, at the World Championships in Manama, Genç earned bronze in clean&jerk with a 181 kg lift and totaled 327 kg, maintaining consistency on the global stage.

The pinnacle of his career so far came at the 2025 European Weightlifting Championships in Chișinău, Moldova. Competing in the 73 kg class, he lifted 154 kg in snatch for silver and 194 kg in clean&jerk, setting a new European record. His total of 348 kg secured him gold overall, cementing his status as Europe’s top lifter in his weight category. At the same year’s World Championships, he lifted 192 kg in clean&jerk and totaled 343 kg, earning bronze and 4th place overall.

Yusuf Fehmi Genç’s best competition lifts include 154 kg snatch and 194 kg clean&jerk. At only 23 years old, he is already a European champion, record holder, and world medallist. His trajectory – from youth champion to senior European record-setter – demonstrates exceptional talent, discipline, and consistency. Genç is widely regarded as one of the most promising weightlifters of his generation, with Olympic success firmly within his sights.