In multiple decades that Olympic weightlifting has existed as a sport, it is difficult to say with certainty that anyone has accomplished as much as Lasha Talakhadze already has. He is recognized by many as the Greatest Of All Time in weightlifting, and anyone who doubted that statement previously is probably a bit more convinced following Lasha’s latest appearance. This came at the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships, which took place in Saudi Arabia from September 4-17. The best was once again saved for last at the biggest weightlifting competition of the year, as Lasha took the stage on the final day. He did not disappoint at all, having claimed a fairly dominant victory in the +109KG weight class. Despite not setting any World Records, Lasha’s win alone was extremely special, as it was his seventh World Championship Title in a row.
Snatch
All three of Lasha Talakhadze’s snatches were successful, with his first lift being 208 kilograms (458.6 pounds). He quickly upped the weight and finished with a 220-kilogram (485-pound) snatch. Despite being 5 kilograms (11 pounds) short of his record, the ease with which Lasha performed the lift made it seem like he was capable of more. To no surprise, his snatch was the heaviest of the entire +109-kilogram weight class.
- 208 kilograms (458.6 pounds)
- 215 kilograms (474 pounds)
- 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
Watch Lasha Talakhadze’s Snatch here:
Clean & Jerk
Moving onto Clean & Jerk, Lasha Talakhadze’s goal was to secure the title as quickly as possible. He did so on his second attempt, as the 253-kilogram (557.8-pound) Clean & Jerk secured him a 13-kilogram (28.7-pound) lead. Unfortunately, when he went for his heaviest third attempt of 260 kilograms (573.2 pounds), Lasha did not manage to lift it. As per the IWF, Lasha’s coach stated that he sprained his wrist on the final attempt as well, but it should heal properly in a relatively short time.
- 245 kilograms (540.1 pounds)
- 253 kilograms (557.8 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 260 kilograms (573.2 pounds)
Total — 473 kilograms (1,042.8 pounds)
2023 World Weightlifting Championships: +109KG Podium (Per Total)
- Lasha Talakhadze (GEO): 473 kilograms (1,042.8 pounds)
- Varazdat Lalayan (ARM): 460 kilograms (1,014.1 pounds)
- Gor Minasyan (BHR): 459 kilograms (1,011.9 pounds)
Watch Lasha Talakhadze’s Clean & Jerk Here:
Related: Weightlifter Lasha Talakhadze Scores Three World Records At 2021 IWF World Championships
Lasha Talakhadze’s Need For Improvement
Lasha Talakhadze’s Total at the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships was 13 kilograms (28.7 pounds) heavier than that of the silver medalist. However, both he and his coach believe that Lashe should have won by a bigger margin and that his rivals are getting closer. Lasha is taking an optimistic approach to this, as he believes that it will push him to improve.
“I like it very much to have others who are close to me, I’m happy with that,” said Talakhadze, as per IWF.
Lasha Talakhadze’s coach believes that performances like these will no longer be enough for the Georgian athlete to claim victories.
“The others are closing in on Lasha. The standard he showed today will not be enough any more. He was not at his very best here, but the only thing that mattered today was for him to be champion again. He will have to regain top form next time,” said Lasha’s coach.
Related: Weightlifter Lasha Talakhadze Set a Mind Numbing 488kg Total For 2020 Olympic Gold
Lasha Talakhadze now has seven consecutive World Championship titles, as well as two Olympic Gold Medals. So, he is obviously one of the most decorated and dominant athletes, not only among weightlifters, but among athletes from other sports as well. He does not plan to end his winning streak any time soon, which will be fun to watch.
Published: 18 September, 2023 | 3:32 PM EDT
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