TALAKHADZE Makes History in Dramatic Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Conclusion
The weightlifting competition at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 came to a dramatic, spectacular conclusion Wednesday as TALAKHADZE Lasha shattered World Records en route to his second consecutive Olympic Gold medal in the men’s +109kg category.
“I feel very happy about it. It was a long training period during this pandemic. I had a great dream and excitement to win the gold medal again (after Rio 2016). That dream came true again,” TALAKHADZE said.
In the snatch, TALAKHADZE opened successfully at 208kg, 4kg over the Olympic Standard. He then lifted 215kg for a new Olympic record before hitting 223kg snatch on his third attempt, setting new World, Olympic and European continental records.
In the clean & jerk, took the final three attempts of these Olympic Games in succession. TALAKHADZE opened successfully at 245kg, giving him an Olympic Record total of 468kg. He made his second attempt, 255kg, setting new Olympic Records in the clean & jerk and total (478kg.) For his final attempt, TALAKHADZE hit a World, Olympic and European continental record 265kg lift, capping a perfect six-for-six performance. Like his snatch and clean & jerk, TALAKHADZE’s 488kg total set new World, Olympic an European continental records. He beat his competition by an impressive 47kg.
“Each of my opponents are strong opponents, my achievements look high, but they are all just opponents which are well valued and appreciated by me. My major thought (during competition) is that I want to win myself,” TALAKHADZE said.
DAVOUDI Ali gave IRI its first silver medal of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games with a 441kg total.
“I am very happy. It’s been my pursuit since childhood and I’ve been working hard. I congratulate the Iranian people and I am happy that during this quarantine I can make them happy. I am hoping next time I can get them gold,” DAVOUDI said.
Rounding out the podium was ASAAD Man, SYR, who took home bronze with a 424kg total.
“This is the biggest sporting event in the world and the medal means a lot to me and my country Syria. This is a result of hard work, a lot of exercise, I gift it to my coach and all of the team. My feelings are very high right now,” ASSAD said.
In all, 42 athletes from 24 National Olympic Committees took home medals in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games weightlifting competition. CHN topped the medal table with eight medals, seven of them gold, and one silver. ECU will be taking home two medals, including one gold. GEO and TPE tied for third with each nation winning one gold medal and one bronze.
As the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 draws to a close, the International Weightlifting Federation wishes to thank the athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers and everyone who helped make the competition a great success.
