Canada’s George Kobaladze wins weightlifting gold at Commonwealth Games

GLASGOW, Scotland – Montreal’s George Kobaladze has won a gold medal in the men’s 105-plus kilogram weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games.

Kobaladze lifted a Commonwealth Games record total of 400 kilograms — 171 kg in the snatch and 229 kg in the clean and jerk.

“I was more confident for the last lift than for the first attempt. I started slowly with a lighter weight, but when I saw I had a chance for a gold medal it became easier for me,” Kobaladze said. “It was always a dream for me to finish first, because my father was a very good weightlifter and I always wanted to show him I could become a champion.

“It’s the first time I’ve won at this high level international competition. At 38 years old, I’ve used maybe my last chance.”

Nauru’s Itte Detenamo won silver with a total of 396 kg, while Australia’s Damon Kelly took bronze with 388 kg.

It was Canada’s fourth weightlifting medal (two gold, two bronze) of the Games.