Soviet Olympic weightlifter who won multiple gold and silver medals, setting multiple world records in the process. Known for dominating the sport in the 1970s and 1980s.
David Rigert is a former Soviet weightlifter and coach, renowned for setting an astonishing 65 ratified world records and winning an Olympic gold medal in 1976, as well as six world titles. His remarkable career has earned him a place in the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame, inducted in 1999.
Rigert was born on March 12, 1947, in the Russian SFSR to a family of Austrian ancestry. His father, Adam Adamowitsch Rigert, was of German descent, while his mother, Jelisaweta Rudolfowna Horn, was Russian. During World War II, Rigert's father was forced to labor in the Ural Mountains, while his mother and eight siblings, including David, were relocated to North Kazakhstan.
Initially, Rigert trained as a boxer, but after being inspired by Yury Vlasov's victory at the 1960 Olympics, he switched to weightlifting. This decision would change the course of his life, leading him to become one of the most successful weightlifters of all time.
Rigert began practicing weightlifting in 1966, using the training methods of former Soviet weightlifting champion Arkady Vorobyov. Two years later, while serving in the Soviet Army, he earned the title Master of Sports of the USSR. After demobilization, he moved to Armavir, where he met coach Rudolf Plyukfelder, who invited him to Shakhty to train at Trud Voluntary Sports Society. Just 11 months later, Rigert made his international debut and was included in the Soviet national team.
Rigert is married to Nadezhda, a former competitive javelin thrower, and they have three sons, Viktor, Vladislav, and Denis, all of whom became competitive weightlifters. Rigert has been an avid smoker since the age of 11, a habit that has sparked controversy throughout his career.
David Rigert's remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of weightlifting. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of weightlifters, and his records remain a testament to his dedication and hard work. Today, Rigert remains a respected figure in the weightlifting community, coaching and mentoring athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
88 Years Old
Ukrainian weightlifter and coach who won Olympic medals and trained multiple world champions, known for his innovative training methods and contributions to the sport.
90 Years Old
A Soviet weightlifter who won two Olympic gold medals and four World Championships, later becoming a prominent politician and writer. He's known for his impressive athletic achievements and influential political career.
88 Years Old
A renowned Soviet wrestler, winning three Olympic gold medals and seven World Championship titles, dominating the sport in the 1960s and 1970s.
93 Years Old
Russian weightlifter who won three Olympic medals, including two golds, and set multiple world records in the 1970s and 1980s. He is considered one of the greatest weightlifters of all time.
