Georgia’s weightlifting world champion and record-breaking athlete Lasha Talakhadze was named the International Weightlifting Federation’s Lifter of the Year via an online poll.
Talakhadze, who broke three world records in competition last year, was one of five male weightlifters shortlisted for the title.
The 24-year old was crowned world champion in December 2017 at the World Weightlifting Championships tournament, rounding off a successful year.
Talakhadze set a new world record at the event, scoring 477 points and improving on his own previous achievement, Agenda.ge reported.
