In the heart of Madrid, during the 2025 European Youth and Under-15 Weightlifting Championships taking place these days, a legend shares the stage with the future stars of the sport. Lasha Talakhadze, triple Olympic champion and winner of countless European and world titles, is here not to look back, but to guide those who are just beginning their journey on the platform.

The Georgian, widely regarded as one of the greatest weightlifters of all time, stands alongside the young participants, recalling his own story: “My first international competition was in Spain, in Valencia. I won, and that moment made it clear to me that I wanted to keep pursuing weightlifting. For many of these kids, this is just the start of something special,” he told the European Weightlifting Federation in an interview.

The reflection of a new generation

Talakhadze admits that when he watches the youth and under-15 lifters, he sees himself years ago. “I see young people full of energy, dreams, and determination. It’s the same spark I once had, but I also see the future of our sport: stronger, faster, and more disciplined. I wish them a path full of success and hope they enjoy every moment of this journey.”

The Georgian champion also emphasized the importance of patience and daily work: “Talent is only the beginning. What truly matters is what you do when no one is watching. Trust your coaches, listen to your body, and never stop believing in your dream.”

When asked about how to overcome the struggles that come with weightlifting, Talakhadze explained: “I always remembered why I started. I surrounded myself with people who believed in me. There will be tough days, but discipline keeps you going when motivation fades. Every victory proves that all the sacrifice and pain were worth it. Injuries are not a reason to quit; they are opportunities to grow stronger and learn how badly you really want to be here. Never settle, never think what you’ve done is enough. Give it everything now so you can look back without regrets.”

Georgia team in Madrid (EWF).

The next senior Europeans in Batumi

The president of the Georgian Weightlifting Federation also highlighted the importance of the 2026 event: “Next year, the Senior Europeans will be held in Batumi. It will be the first major event in Georgia since I became president of the national federation. I’m confident that many of these young athletes will one day compete on that stage.”

Talakhadze said he will be closely following the progress of the young talents: “I hope to see them keep moving forward with the same passion in their eyes they have today.” When asked what message he would like to leave engraved in every young weightlifter’s mind, Talakhadze didn’t hesitate: “Keep the bar high — in every lift, every goal, and every part of your life.”

“Weightlifting is one community”

For his part, the president of the European Weightlifting Federation —EWF—, Dr. Astrit Hasani, stated: “In Europe, weightlifting is one single community; when we support each other, we all lift higher.” He also publicly thanked Talakhadze “for sharing his experience with our young athletes and for the example of excellence and humility he represents.”

Before the interview, Hasani and EWF Secretary General Dr. Milan Mihajlovic presented Talakhadze with the federation’s first summer uniform, a symbolic gesture that marks the beginning of a new tradition for future EWF events.