Legendary weightlifter Lasha Talakhadze has become the new president of the Georgian Weightlifting Federation. At the electoral congress in Tbilisi, all 55 delegates unanimously supported his candidacy.
Talakhadze, regarded as one of the greatest figures in weightlifting history, won his third Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, having previously claimed titles at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. His achievements also include seven World Championship titles and an equal number of European Championship victories.
The new head of the Federation is a world record holder in the super heavyweight category. He replaces another outstanding athlete, three-time Olympic champion Kakhi Kakhiashvili, who led the organization for ten years.
Despite stepping down as president, Kakhiashvili will remain in the Federation’s leadership as vice president. Alongside him, Rio 2016 bronze medalist Irakli Turmanidze and Nodar Sirbilashvili have also been appointed as vice presidents. Rusudani Muradashvili will continue serving as the Federation’s secretary-general.
Lasha Talakhadze has suspended his sports career and is also a member of Georgia’s State Duma.