Born on August 30, 1975 in Sachkhere. Weightlifter (77 kg and 85 kg).

Champion of the XXVIII Olympic Games (2005, Athens), third-prize winner of the XXVII Olympic Games (2000, Sydney, the best results were shown by three weightlifters. The medals were distributed according to the individual weight and the Georgian athlete was the heaviest among the three). World Champion (2001) and second-prize winner (2002), three-fold European Champion (2000, 2001, 2002) and second-prize winner (1998). World Champion among Youth (1995). Two world record holder in snatch: 168 kg (in 77kg category, 1998) and 181 kg (in 85 kg category, 2000). Recipient of the II and III class Orders and the Order of Honor.