Ruslan Nurudinov

Ruslan Shamilevich Nurudinov, born November 24th, 1991, is an Uzbek weightlifter known for his record-breaking achievements and for being one of the strongest clean & jerk lifters in history. He became Uzbekistan’s first ever World Champion in weightlifting in 2013 and went on to win Olympic gold in 2016 with an Olympic record lift. Over a decade at the top level, Nurudinov has proven himself as one of the sport’s most consistent and dominant competitors.

Nurudinov’s early breakthrough came at the 2013 World Weightlifting Championships in Wrocław, Poland, where he won gold in the 105 kg category with victories in the snatch, clean & jerk, and total. This historic win made him the first ever weightlifting World Champion from Uzbekistan. He cemented his reputation as a clean & jerk powerhouse with a lift of 239 kg at the 2014 World Championships in Almaty, putting him close to world record territory and setting the stage for his Olympic triumph.

At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Nurudinov reached the peak of his career, winning Olympic gold in the 105 kg division. He lifted 194 kg in the snatch and 237 kg in the clean & jerk, setting a new Olympic record and finishing with a 431 kg total. This victory also gave Uzbekistan its first Olympic gold medal in weightlifting.

After overcoming injuries and setbacks, including knee surgeries, Nurudinov made a stunning return to form. At the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships in Bogotá, he dominated the 109 kg category, sweeping gold medals with lifts of 177 kg in the snatch and 220 kg in the clean & jerk for a 397 kg total. In 2024, at the World Weightlifting Championships in Manama, he achieved another career highlight by setting a world record clean & jerk of 242 kg in the 109 kg category and winning gold with a 424 kg total.

Nurudinov’s best lifts in competition include a 242 kg clean & jerk, a 194 kg snatch, and a 431 kg Olympic total. He has shown resilience and unmatched consistency, staying competitive across more than a decade of world-level weightlifting. His performances have broken barriers for his country and the sport, and he continues to inspire new generations of lifters with his strength, determination, and record-breaking achievements.