Georgian athlete wins Lifter of the Year online poll

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.

Also featuring a separate vote for women athletes, the poll was closed on January 31. However, the winners of the poll were revealed last night.

Your 2017 IWF Lifters of the Year... Women: @lydikitMen: @lashasportThanks to everyone who voted pic.twitter.com/kXGc3t0CSD

— IWF (@iwfnet) February 5, 2018

Talakhadze was crowned world champion in December 2017 at the World Weightlifting Championships tournament, rounding off a successful year.

The 24-year old set a new world record at the event, scoring 477 points and improving on his own previous achievement.

His achievements throughout the year were also recognised with the title of Georgia’s Sportsperson of the Year for 2017.