Jaan Talts

Jaan Talts (born 19 May 1944) is an Estonian former 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.

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.

Major results Year Venue Body Weight Military Press (kg) Snatch (kg) Clean & Jerk (kg) Total Rank 1 2 3 Rank 1 2 3 Rank 1 2 3 Rank Olympic Games 1972 Munich, West Germany 109.50 200.0 200.0 210.0 OR 1 157.5 165.0 165.0 3 205.0 205.0 225.0 3 580.0 OR European Championships Key: OR = Olympic record; DNF = did not finish; NVL = no valid lift