Lasha Talakhadze Interview – at the World Weightlifting Championship 2023 in Riyadh

Lasha Talakhadze, a Georgian weightlifter, who holds the all-time world records in his weight category in the Snatch (225 kg, 496 lb), the Clean & Jerk (267 kg, 589 lb), and the total (492 kg, 1,085 lb) since 2021.

This Georgian giant is a two-time Olympic champion, seven-time world champion, and seven-time European champion competing in the super-heavyweight division (+105 kg until 2018 and +109 kg starting in 2018 after the International Weightlifting Federation reorganized the categories). He is also a three-time winner of the title of the IWF Male Lifter of the Year.

Moreover, throughout his career he has set 26 official senior world records.

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Hard working, never giving up, and ultimate desire to be the best. It’s not just Lasha working hard, but his coaches, teammates, everyone who supports him, as they’re all a part of this story.

When we talk about lifting heavy weights, there’s one name everyone knows: Lasha Talakhadze. He’s not just any weightlifter, he’s a true weightlifting giant.

This time at the 2023 WWC in Riyadh, we had a unique opportunity to talk to Lasha personally. 

Talakhadze’s Supremacy in the Weight Division and the Change of Training Regime

Nowadays Lasha`s weight class doesn`t look like just his own. During the last four years, a few solid athletes appeared.

• During the last four years in your category, a few solid athletes appeared. Is it more comfortable for you, when you are the only one favorite in your class or more rivals challenge you and push forward?

“Of course when you compete just with yourself and the bar for the Gold it is less stressful, but when you see that rivals push on me, I have to mobilize.  But I see my goal, don`t look to the sides, and just try to do my job as best as I can.”

Each Olympic preparation is a small 4-year long life. Every time it is a bit different due to numerous obstacles and factors. Today Lasha is one year away from the Paris Olympics and time flies so fast.

“The previous Olympic cycle was easier because I was younger and had fewer injuries. Of course, I’m not at a bad age now, but injuries are making themselves felt. That is why it is necessary to adjust loads accordingly.”

• How was your training program adapted?

“I used to train more, with more volume and reps. But the main thing for me is to follow the instructions of head coach Girogi Asanidze, to follow my goals. In turn, the coach adapts to my needs and abilities, which is why the training schedule has changed more than once. I still have strength, just a little more injuries.”

Pro tips from the world-class lifter for the newbies in weightlifting 

As the strongest man on the planet, Lasha is extremely popular on social media. 

• There are a lot of fun comments, such as: he is so big and confident and he never worries before competition and his palms do not even sweat. Is it true?

“Maybe it will sound weird, but of course I’m nervous like anyone else and some thoughts can drill my brain. But it doesn’t affect me too much and on the contrary it gives me energy, pushes my confidence to show even higher results on the competition platform than at home training.”

Today Lasha is a role model and opinion leader. Therefore, everyone is very interested to know his rules of success, as well as recommendations for those who are just starting in lifting.

• Three pieces of advice for beginners to stay focused before competition?

“First of all – believe in yourself! Second: target your thinking to build a Champion inside of you, it works and it is important to do this. Third: love what you do!”

• Remember yourself 4 years ago, what advice would you give yourself, after all the way that you did and experience that you got? Is there anything that he could do better? Any specific advice to yourself?

“My goals are the same as 4 years ago. I would say to myself: work harder and keep in mind that it is important to leave sport undefeated and I am still following this philosophy. The only difference between then and now: I think less about records, due to the injuries and all the rest without changes.”

Conclusion

Being a champion is not just about setting new records. It’s about the effort and the drive to keep going, no matter what happens. Lasha is the real specimen for this. He has faced so many challenges, but he keeps showing us how to keep pushing forward.

After the talk with Lasha, we can sum up that being the Champion is not just about new wins, it’s about pushing yourself harder with greater effort despite challenges and obstacles. All you need is to chase your dream and push yourself further to become the best version of yourself with no chances to give up.

Remember – heroes are not just born, they work hard to become real legends.

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