Jaan Talts

Jaan Talts (born 19 May 1944) is a former Estonian weightlifter. He competed for the Soviet Union at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics and won a silver and a gold medal, respectively. Throughout his career, Talts won two world and four European titles and set approximately 40 world records.[2][3]

Not to be confused with Janar Talts.

Jaan Talts

Talts at the 1972 Olympics
Personal information
Nationality	Estonian
Born	(1944-05-19) 19 May 1944 Massiaru, Estonia
Height	174 cm (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Sport
Sport	Weightlifting
Medal record Representing the  Soviet Union Olympic Games 1972 Munich -110 kg 1968 Mexico City -90 kg World Championships 1970 Columbus -110 kg 1972 Munich -110 kg 1968 Mexico City -90 kg 1969 Warsaw -110 kg European Championships 1968 Leningrad -90 kg 1969 Warsaw -110 kg 1970 Szombathely -110 kg 1972 Constanţa -110 kg

Biography

As a teenager Talts trained in athletics, in throwing events. He took up weightlifting while studying at the Tihemetsa Technical College of Agriculture and Forestry. In 1967 he became the first middle-heavyweight weightlifter to break the 500 kg barrier in the total, and hence was named the best Soviet athlete of the year.[1]

After retiring from competitions Talts coached weightlifters in Estonia, and starting from 2007 headed the Estonian national weightlifting team. between 1981 and 19988 he served as rector of the Estonian Sports Academy. Since 1989 he works with the Estonian National Olympic Committee in various positions.[1]

In 1995–1996 Talts was member of the Estonian parliament Riigikogu. In 1998 he was inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation hall of fame.[4]

References

1. Jaan Talts. sports-reference.com
2. Jaan Talts. chidlovski.net
3. "Estonian Olympic Winners. Jaan Talts". Archived from the original on 1 June 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2009.
4. "Weightlifting Hall of Fame". International Weightlifting Federation. Archived from the original on 13 September 2008. Retrieved 7 August 2008.

External links

• Jaan Talts at Lift Up (Retrieved on 24 December 2009).
• Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Jaan Talts". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 21 April 2009.
• Jaan Talts at Olympedia
• Jaan Talts at Olympics at Sports-Reference.com (archived)

Awards
Preceded by Mart Vilt	Estonian Sportsman of the Year 1967–1970	Succeeded by Vambola Helm
Preceded by Vambola Helm	Estonian Sportsman of the Year 1972	Succeeded by Ain Vilde