Uc_Hilal

Sport:
weightlifting

Country Represented:
Soviet Union

Years Competed:
1964, 1968

Medals Received:
gold

Olympic Info:
Standing 6'5", Zhabotinsky was one of the largest and most impressive competitors in the history of the Olympic Games. A heavyweight weightlifter for the Soviet Union, "Zhabo" competed at the 1964 and 1968 Games, winning the gold medal at both competitions. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, weighing 341 pounds, Zhabotinsky broke the world record in the jerk and set the Olympic record for total lift of 572.5 pounds.

Four years later at the 1968 Mexico City Games, at which Zhabotinsky now weighed 359 pounds, the "World's Strongest Man" impressed the large crowd at the opening ceremonies by carrying the enormous Soviet flag with only one hand! Zhabotinsky then proceeded to win his second gold medal, tying his own Olympic record in the total lift in the process (572.5 pounds). He also set Olympic records in the press and snatch, but skipped his final two attempts at the jerk because he was so confident of his victory. Many in the audience were disappointed because they wanted to see him break the world record in the jerk.

Career Highlights:
One of the most dominant weightlifters in history, Zhabotinsky emerged onto the world stage by winning the bronze medal in the superheavyweight division at the 1963 World Championships. He then won four consecutive gold medals at the World Championships (1964-66, and 1968), as well as the European Championship in 1966 and 1968.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Jan. 28, 1938

Origin:
Ukraine

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