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Lasha TalakhadzeGeorgian weightlifter
Date of Birth: 02.10.1993
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- International Debut and Doping Violation
- Olympic Gold and World Record
- Multiple World Records
- Continued Dominance
- Absolute Records
- European, World, and Olympic Titles
- Legacy
Early Life and Career
Born to Koba Talakhadze, an international master of sports, and Zhanna Todadze, Lasha Talakhadze initially pursued wrestling and soccer before transitioning to weightlifting under his father's guidance.
International Debut and Doping Violation
Talakhadze made his international debut in 2010. In 2013, he was disqualified from the European Junior Weightlifting Championships for using the banned substance stanozolol. The disqualification lasted until October 2015.
Olympic Gold and World Record
From 2015 to 2016, Talakhadze won the World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic Games consecutively. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he broke the world record in total weight lifted with a combined weight of 473 kg, surpassing Husayn Rezazadeh's previous record that had stood since 2000.
Multiple World Records
In 2017, Talakhadze set a new world record in the snatch (217 kg) at the European Championships. Later that year, he broke the world record in the snatch (220 kg) and the combined weight lifted (477 kg) at the World Championships.
Continued Dominance
At the 2018 Georgia National Championships, Talakhadze set new world records in the clean and jerk (264 kg) and the combined weight lifted (478 kg). At the 2018 World Championships, he broke three world records: the snatch (217 kg), clean and jerk (257 kg), and combined weight lifted (474 kg).
Absolute Records
In 2021, Talakhadze set an absolute world record in the snatch with a lift of 225 kg at the World Championships. He also broke Leonid Taranenko's "eternal" world record in the clean and jerk with a lift of 267 kg.
European, World, and Olympic Titles
Talakhadze has won numerous European (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), World (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), and Olympic (2016, 2020, 2024) championships. He holds the distinction of being a three-time Olympic champion.
Legacy
Lasha Talakhadze is considered one of the greatest weightlifters of all time. He has broken numerous world records, including the absolute records in the snatch and clean and jerk. Talakhadze is known for his exceptional strength, technique, and determination. He is an inspiration to athletes around the world and a national hero in Georgia.
