“Now when you are an Olympic champion and have full collection of gold, how do you think, barbell is heavier or gold medal” – one of the Japanese journalists asked Lasha Talakhadze at the press conference.
“It is not easy to have such title but preparation process and hard work are more difficult – replied our champion and his response impressed foreign journalists. The 22-year-old Georgian giant who made whole Georgia proud is considered one of the stars of the Olympic Games. “He is unbeaten. No one can beat him” – one of the Brazilian fans who took picture with the Georgian journalists told me.
Lasha managed to become everyone’s idol in an hour and half, except the Iranian fans who were angry with the referee. They booed Talakhadze when he was lifting barbell on the third attempt. But the whole hall booed the Iranian fans. However, Lasha Talakhadze lifted 258 kg without any problem, set world record, bowed the Iranian’s tribune and celebrated his victory with the coaching staff and the Georgian delegation.
When I was entering the special zone for the interviews I ran into Behdad Salimi Kordasiabi of Iran. He was giving interviews, was protesting the decision of the referees and was insulting the International Weightlifting Federation.
Later Irakli Turmanidze showed up and here is his comment:
“Today I assured myself that hard work always pays off. I achieved goal – I stood on pedestal and I am very happy that the Olympic Games have new champion – Lasha Talakhadze”.
Asanidze also showed up with team doctor Zurab Kakhabrishvili who was in tears.
“We were moving towards this day step by step. Although, I believed in my boys’ possibilities, I did not make predictions in advance. I congratulate the whole Georgia on this victory” – Giorgi Asanidze told us.
The foreign journalists were taking interviews from Turmanidze and Asanidze but when Lasha Talakhadze entered the mix zone, everyone gathered around him.
The foreigners were interested in his opinion about the referees. The Georgian athlete was asked the same question at the press conference and his response was applauded.
“I do not understand what the Iranian fans wanted from me. They have the strongest idol who violated rules and his weight was not counted. I always respect my opponents and their fans. The Iranian fans decided to prevent me from lifting barbell but their noise helped me lift the weight” – stated Talakhadze.
Here is some best question-answer:
- You lifted some incredible weights and you seemed to lift even more. Why did you start with low weights?
- The process was the main thing. It is the Olympics and we had to plan each step. It is good that we used all six attempts.
- The previous world record lasted 16 years. How long will your world record last?
- I will try to improve it. If someone else does it, it will be another challenge for me.
- You have won everything at the age of 22. What are going to do next?
- I am not going to think about retirement. My goal is to win more titles.
- Perhaps, we will see you only at World Championships…
- I want to participate in U23 European Championship.
- What is the emotion of the champion? What are you thinking about now?
- To tell the truth, I have not fully realized it what happened. I know that it is a very good day, historic day for the Georgian sport. Two Georgians stood on the Olympic pedestal together for the first time. I am happy that my friend Irakli Turmanidze and I did it.
Finally, Elguja Berishvili’s (the first vice-president of the Georgian National Olympic Committee) comment – “The world’s fastest person is Usain Bolt and the strongest – Lasha Talakhadze!”
Otar Maglakelidze, special correspondent of worldsport.ge in Rio de Janeiro
