George Kobaladze wins Commonwealth Games gold in weightlifting
Canada’s George Kobaladze lifted his way to Commonwealth Games gold on Thursday, winning the title in the men’s 105+ weightlifting category in Glasgow.
On his final clean and jerk attempt, Kobaladze set a Commonwealth record by lifting 229 kg, for a combined total of 400 kg, also a competition record.
"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."
Itte Detenamo of Nauru settled for silver, failing to lift 229 kg, while Damon Kelly of Australia took the bronze.
Fellow Canadian Parminder Phangura finished in fifth.
Canada has won four medals in weightlifting in Glasgow (two gold, two bronze).
Elsewhere, Canada won more gold in diving, gymnastics, and wrestling on Day 8.
In wrestling, Danielle Lappage took the title in the women’s freestyle 63 kg class, while Tamerlan Tagziev won gold in the men’s 86 kg event.
Montreal diver Meaghan Benfeito won her second gold in Glasgow, taking the title in the women’s 10-metre platform event. Synchro teammate Roseline Filion of Laval, Que., won bronze.
Gymnast Scott Morgan of North Vancouver, B.C., won gold in the rings competition to add to the silver he won earlier in the day in the floor event. Kevin Lytwyn of Stoney Creek, Ont., took the silver.
