14 Best Weightlifters of All Time (2024)

Ever wondered who hoists the iron thrones in the weightlifting realm?

From Herculean lifts to record-shattering feats, these powerhouses redefine strength legend.

Prepare your grip as we showcase the gods of iron, one monumental lift at a time.

Best Weightlifters:

1. Lasha Talakhadze
2. Naim Süleymanoğlu
3. Pyrros Dimas
4. Vasily Alekseyev
5. Lu Xiaojun
6. Hossein Rezazadeh
7. Ilya Ilyin
8. Leonid Taranenko
9. Halil Mutlu
10. Dimas Pyrros
11. Kakhi Kakhiashvili
12. Shi Zhiyong
13. Paul Anderson
14. Szymon Kołecki

#1 Lasha Talakhadze

• 🌍Nationality: Georgian
• 🎂Date of Birth: October 2, 1993
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Super Heavyweight class)
• 🏆Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2016, 2020), 5× World Champion, European Champion, World Record Holder

Lasha Talakhadze, known as the “Georgian Giant,” is a record-smashing weightlifter whose superior strength and technique have dominated the super heavyweight class. Talakhadze’s combination of size, power, and precision in the snatch and clean & jerk highlights his unprecedented skill level.

Talakhadze’s influence on the sport is undeniable as he continuously sets new benchmarks for future athletes. Outside the world of weightlifting, Talakhadze remains relatively private, allowing his incredible athletic accomplishments to speak for themselves. His legacy in the sport will undoubtedly be one of overwhelming power and unprecedented success.

#2 Naim Süleymanoğlu

• 🌍Nationality: Bulgarian, later naturalized Turkish
• 🎂Date of Birth: January 23, 1967
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Featherweight class)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 3× Olympic Gold Medalist (1988, 1992, 1996), 7× World Champion, 6× European Champion, Former World Record Holder

Nicknamed “The Pocket Hercules” due to his small stature and incredible strength, Naim Süleymanoğlu captured the world’s attention with his extraordinary lifting abilities. His phenomenal talent shone through his mastery of the snatch and clean & jerk, and his battles against weightlifting legends remain historic.

Despite facing political challenges, including defecting from Bulgaria to Turkey, Süleymanoğlu overcame adversity to become a symbol of national pride for Turkey. His death in 2017 was a significant loss to the sport, but his legacy as one of the greatest weightlifters in history endures.

#3 Pyrros Dimas

• 🌍Nationality: Greek
• 🎂Date of Birth: October 13, 1971
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Light Heavyweight and Middleweight classes)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 3× Olympic Gold Medalist (1992, 1996, 2000), Bronze Medalist (2004), 3× World Champion, 5× European Champion

Pyrros Dimas, a Greek weightlifting legend known for his passionate lifting style and competitive spirit, has left a mark in the weightlifting world for his explosive power and finesse. His iconic celebration gestures after successful lifts have become a hallmark of his memorable performances.

Dimas is not only celebrated for his athletic prowess but also for his contributions to Greek sports and society. After retiring, he has been involved with the Hellenic Weightlifting Federation, proving a role model and advocate for the sport. Dimas’s impact transcends his Olympic victories, making him a cherished figure in Greece and weightlifting communities worldwide.

#4 Vasily Alekseyev

• 🌍Nationality: Russian
• 🎂Date of Birth: January 7, 1942
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Super Heavyweight class)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1972, 1976), 8× World Champion, 8× European Champion, Former World Record Holder

Vasily Alekseyev is celebrated as one of the strongest men in weightlifting history, dominating the super heavyweight category through the 1970s. His incredible strength was matched by his larger-than-life persona and enduring presence in the realm of strength sports.

Despite political tensions of his era, Alekseyev became a symbol of superhuman strength, contributing to the USSR’s prestige in international sports. Following his retirement, he served as a coach, sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation. Alekseyev’s legacy as a pillar of weightlifting excellence endures to this day.

#5 Lu Xiaojun

• 🌍Nationality: Chinese
• 🎂Date of Birth: July 27, 1984
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Middleweight class)
• 🏆Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2012), Silver Medalist (2016, 2020), 5× World Champion, Multiple-time Asian Champion

Lu Xiaojun is renowned for his technique and longevity in the sport of weightlifting. His precision in the snatch and clean & jerk, coupled with his sculpted physique, have turned him into an icon of the sport, admired for both his performance and discipline.

Lu’s legacy extends beyond his medals; he has become an inspiration for athletes seeking longevity and peak performance over a sustained career. While not vocal on broader societal issues, Lu’s dedication to his craft and the dignified manner in which he represents his country reflect the profound impact an athlete can have through their sport.

#6 Hossein Rezazadeh

• 🌍Nationality: Iranian
• 🎂Date of Birth: May 12, 1978
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Super Heavyweight class)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2000, 2004), 4× World Champion, 2× Asian Games Champion, Former World Record Holder

Known as “The Iranian Hercules,” Hossein Rezazadeh’s extraordinary strength and charismatic presence have made him one of the most celebrated weightlifters in history. Not only was he renowned for his powerful clean & jerks, but he was also admired for his humility in victory.

Rezazadeh’s status in Iran extends beyond his athletic achievements; he is seen as a national hero and a symbol of pride. Following his retirement, he has served in various administrative roles in Iranian sports organizations, contributing to the growth and development of weightlifting in his country.

#7 Ilya Ilyin

• 🌍Nationality: Kazakh
• 🎂Date of Birth: May 24, 1988
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Middleweight and Light Heavyweight classes)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012), 4× World Champion, Asian Games Champion

Ilya Ilyin, celebrated for his unmatched ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, is known in the weightlifting community for his competitive drive and technical proficiency. His career has been marked by exhilarating come-from-behind victories that have left spectators in awe.

However, Ilyin’s career has also been marred by controversy, with doping violations that led to the stripping of some of his titles, putting a dent in his legacy. Overcoming these challenges, Ilyin has made a comeback to the sport, aiming to reclaim his reputation. His story serves as a complex narrative of talent, success, fall from grace, and the pursuit of redemption.

#8 Leonid Taranenko

• 🌍Nationality: Belarusian
• 🎂Date of Birth: December 3, 1956
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Heavyweight class)
• 🏆Career Highlights: Olympic Silver Medalist (1980), World Champion, European Champion, Former World Record Holder

Leonid Taranenko, often praised for his immense strength and technique, had a notable career during the 1980s. His robust performance and consistent record-breaking lifts made him a formidable competitor on the international stage.

Although Taranenko faced considerable competition throughout his career, he managed to carve out his place in weightlifting history. After retiring from competitive lifting, his knowledge and experience have contributed to coaching and mentoring roles. His influence continues to be felt in the sport as his achievements and dedication set an example for aspiring weightlifters.

#9 Halil Mutlu

• 🌍Nationality: Turkish
• 🎂Date of Birth: July 14, 1973
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Flyweight, Featherweight divisions)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 3× Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, 2000, 2004), 5× World Weightlifting Champion, European Champion, multiple world record holder

Dubbed “The Little Dynamo,” Halil Mutlu’s compact stature belied his immense power and skill. His technique and speed in the snatch and clean & jerk were nearly unmatchable, propelling him to the top of his weight categories. Though he faced a two-year ban for a doping violation in 2005, Mutlu returned to the sport briefly before retiring.

Mutlu’s legacy lies not just in his medals but also in his demonstration that perseverance and dedication can overcome setbacks. Outside the weightlifting community, Mutlu maintains a low profile, but in Turkey, he is celebrated as one of their greatest sportsmen, having brought pride to his nation through his weightlifting prowess.

#10 Chen Lijun

• 🌍Nationality: Chinese
• 🎂Date of Birth: February 8, 1993
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Lightweight division)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2016, 2021), multiple World Weightlifting Champion, world record holder in his division

Chen Lijun has established himself as a formidable force in weightlifting with his consistency and precision, especially in the clean & jerk lift. His comebacks from injury, including a significant one in Rio de Janeiro 2016, testify to his resilience and mental fortitude, having triumphed in the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.

Chen is known for his quiet yet focused approach, which has largely kept him away from the limelight. In China and the world of weightlifting, however, he is recognized as a symbol of excellence and an athlete who has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in his weight class, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

#11 Kakhi Kakhiashvili

• 🌍Nationality: Georgian-born Greek
• 🎂Date of Birth: July 13, 1969
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Light-Heavyweight division)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 3× Olympic Gold Medalist (1992, 1996, 2000), World Champion, European Champion

Kakhi Kakhiashvili, acclaimed for his proficiency in both snatch and clean & jerk, excelled at changing his bodily rhythm effectively during lifts. His noteworthy achievement of winning Olympic gold for two different countries (Georgia and Greece) cements his place in Olympic history. Kakhiashvili is one of the few lifters who have dominated across multiple Olympic cycles.

As a figure who represented two nations on the global stage, Kakhiashvili’s influence extends beyond his athletic achievements, fostering a sense of unity and pride among his supporters. His post-retirement activities have been focused on coaching and promoting the sport of weightlifting in Greece.

#12 Shi Zhiyong

• 🌍Nationality: Chinese
• 🎂Date of Birth: October 10, 1993
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Lightweight division)
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2016, 2021), 3× World Weightlifting Champion, Multiple world record holder

As both a technical maestro and a powerhouse, Shi Zhiyong has dominated the lightweight division with impressive control and explosive power. His ability to perform under pressure is highlighted by his Olympic and World Championship victories, where he has repeatedly set new world records. Overcoming intense competition within the Chinese national team demonstrates his outstanding skill level.

Shi Zhiyong is not only a name synonymous with excellence in weightlifting but also a source of national pride for China. His presence in the sport has inspired a new generation of weightlifters. Shi’s impact within the weightlifting community is evidenced by the many who strive to match his exceptional standards of performance.

#13 Paul Anderson

• 🌍Nationality: American
• 🎂Date of Birth: October 17, 1932
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter, Strongman
• 🏆Career Highlights: 1956 Olympic Gold Medalist, World Champion, World Record holder

Paul Anderson, known as “The Dixie Derrick,” was celebrated for his superhuman strength and was once titled the “Strongest Man in the World.” His weightlifting technique, combined with his sheer physical power, allowed him to set multiple records and attain weightlifting’s highest honors in the mid-20th century. Despite his untimely death at age 61, Anderson’s contributions to weightlifting and strength sports remain legendary.

Anderson’s impact went beyond the lifting platform. He founded the Paul Anderson Youth Home, a facility for troubled youth, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to giving back. His legacy today continues through this work, helping shape the lives of many young individuals far removed from the chalk-filled atmosphere of the weightlifting arena.

#14 Szymon Kołecki

• 🌍Nationality: Polish
• 🎂Date of Birth: October 12, 1981
• 🏋️‍♀️ Position/Role: Weightlifter (Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions)
• 🏆Career Highlights: Olympic Silver Medalist (2000, 2008), World Champion, European Champion

Szymon Kołecki made a name for himself with his robust lifting style and the determination evident in his Olympic and World Championship performances. His career saw a remarkable upgrade from silver to gold for the 2008 Olympics after the original winners were disqualified for doping offenses. Kołecki’s career was defined by his impressive lifts and his unwavering focus on the sport’s integrity.

Kołecki’s dedication to his craft extended into his retirement, where he transitioned into a career in politics, serving his country beyond the realm of sports. His multifaceted life, both in and out of the weightlifting world, showcases an athlete who never shied away from challenges, turning them into opportunities to strengthen his community.

Learn more about the tools these champions use by checking out our comprehensive weightlifting equipment list.

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