Georgian Weightlifters on the International Arena
It was the first time in the history of Olympic Games, when former Soviet team participated Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, 1952. The merit of Soviet team was supported by a Georgian athlete Rafael Chimishkian, who had brilliantly competed and got Olympic gold medal. He is a double world champion, a world record-holder and Deserved Sport Master. Nowadays, Mr. Chimishkian is a referee of International Category.
In 1968 at the Mexico Olympic Games, Georgian athlete won silver and repeated his success at the Munich Olympic Games four years after. The following year he won world championship. Mr. Dito Shanidze is a double world champion, a Deserved Sport Master, has twice awarded a gold medal at the European Championships.
Two decades later, in 1992 at Barcelona Summer Olympic Games another Georgian athlete Kakhi Kakhiashvili brilliantly competed and deserved champion title. Later, as citizen of Greece he twice repeated his achievements in Atlanta and Sidney Olympic Games, and thus brought two gold medals to Greece. George Asanidze the world champion, and double European champion, also a world record-holder, won a bronze at Sidney Olympic Games in 2000.
Among above-mentioned athletes other Georgian weightlifters had shown themselves successfully in different periods of time. They are: Vladimir Svetlenko, Khaim Khanukashvili, Mamia Zhgenti, Aleksandre Jejelava, Grigori Kochiev, Amiran Chitatdze, Bidzina Mikiashvili, Mukhran Gogia, Aleko Nozadze who have been supporting Georgian merit on the international arena.
David Bezhuashvili
The president of GeoWF