In the heart of Madrid, under the bright lights of the 2025 EWF European Youth and U15 Championships, a legend walks among the rising stars. He is not just a name, he is history written in chalk, sweat, and unshakable willpower.
Three-time Olympic Champion. Countless European and World titles. A lifetime of dreams lifted high above his head.
And yet, as he stands here watching the next generation step onto the platform, his eyes are not on his own past but on their future.
Today, we sit down with a true icon of weightlifting – an athlete who has inspired millions and continues to shape the sport far beyond his own medals. He is here to witness youth lifts, to guide them, and to pass on the fire that has burned within him for decades. The one and only Lasha Talakhadze.
Today, you stand among the youngest lifters in Europe, many of them lifting on an international stage for the very first time. What emotions does that bring back for you?
It brings back a lot — the nerves, the excitement, the pride of wearing your flag for the first time. I remember how big everything felt. My very first international competition was actually in Spain – Valencia. I won — and that moment made something very clear to me: I wanted to stay in weightlifting. For these young lifters, this is the start of something special and seeing it up close reminds me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.
When you watch these Youth and U15 athletes, what do you see? Do you see yourself, years ago, stepping onto that platform?
In many ways, yes. I see young people full of energy, dreams, and determination. I see the same spark I had. But I also see the future of our sport — stronger, faster, and even more disciplined. That gives me a lot of hope. I sincerely wish them a path filled with success — may they stay strong, stay focused, and enjoy every moment of this journey.
Many young lifters look at you as a legend, but also as proof that dreams can be real. What is the most important advice you can give them right now, at the start of their journey?
Stay patient. Respect the process. Talent is only the beginning — what matters most is the work you do when no one is watching. Trust your coaches, listen to your body, and never stop believing in your dream. Never settle or think that what you’ve achieved is enough — always strive for more. A sporting career passes quickly, and when it’s over, you don’t want to look back with regret, thinking you could have given more. Give your all now, so later, you can stand proud knowing you left everything on the platform.
In weightlifting, the road is long and often difficult. How did you stay motivated through injuries, setbacks, and pressure – and how can they learn to do the same?
I always reminded myself why I started. I surrounded myself with people who believed in me. There were hard days, of course — but those are part of the path. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline keeps you moving forward. When I finish a competition with a win, I understand that all the sacrifice, the pain, the struggle – was worth it. Injury is not unusual in our sport, but it shouldn’t make you quit. Instead, it should shape your character, make you mentally stronger, and teach you how much you truly want this. Every obstacle is a chance to grow.
Next year, the seniors will meet in Batumi for another unforgettable European Championships. What message do you have for these youth lifters who dream of one day standing on that senior stage?
I’m incredibly excited that the European Senior Championships will be held in Batumi next year — and it will be the first major event hosted in Georgia since I became President of the National Federation. We are preparing an unforgettable championship, both for the athletes and for the fans. Of course, this stage is not for the Youth just yet — but I truly believe that many of them will stand there one day. I wish them success on their journey and hope they keep the same fire burning in their eyes. I’ll be proud to follow their journey and witness the great future that awaits them.
Finally, if you could leave one sentence engraved in the heart of every young lifter in Madrid hall, what would it be?
Keep the bar high (literally 😉) in every lift, every goal, and every part of your life.
EWF President Dr Astrit Hasani remarked: “Across Europe, weightlifting is one community; when we support each other, we all lift higher.”
EWF President Dr. Astrit Hasani added: “On behalf of the European Weightlifting Federation, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Talakhadze for generously sharing his experience with our Youth and U15 athletes. His record of excellence and the humility with which he carries it sets a benchmark that will guide and motivate the next generation of European lifters.”
Just before the interview, EWF President Dr. Astrit Hasani and GS Dr. Milan Mihajlovic presented Lasha Talakhadze with the federation’s first ever summer uniform—a simple gesture of appreciation that also launched a new, forward‑looking tradition for future EWF events.
We are sincerely grateful to Lasha for taking the time to share his hard‑earned wisdom. His words and example will stay with the young lifters watching, reminding them how steady work and quiet confidence can reach great heights.
By EWF Media