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Jaan Talts

b. 1944

Estonian weightlifter, coach and politician (born 1944)

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About Jaan Talts

Born 1944. Jaan Talts is an Estonian and Russian weightlifter, politician, coach, sportsperson, elite athlete and functionary.

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

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Tihemetsa Agricultural Technical School
Positions held
Member of the Riigikogu
Awards
Order of the Red Banner of Labour; Medal "For Labour Valour"; Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR; Estonian Athlete of the Year; Estonian Red Cross Order Second Class
Also known as
Jaan Talts Sr.

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Jaan Talts's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jaan Talts?

Estonian weightlifter, coach and politician (born 1944)

When was Jaan Talts born?

Jaan Talts was born on 19 May 1944 in Laiksaare Rural Municipality.

What is Jaan Talts's occupation?

Jaan Talts is a weightlifter, politician, coach, sportsperson, elite athlete and functionary.

What nationality is Jaan Talts?

Jaan Talts is Estonian and Russian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Jaan Talts

· Wikidata: Q1378847

· DBpedia: Jaan Talts

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jaan Talts. https://biography.guide/jaan-talts/

MLA: "Jaan Talts." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jaan-talts/.

Chicago: "Jaan Talts." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jaan-talts/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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