Irakli Tsirekidze

Irakli Tsirekidze, born on May 3, 1982, is a distinguished Georgian judoka whose remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of judo. His journey in the sport reached a pinnacle on September 15, 2007, when he clinched a gold medal at the World Judo Championships, triumphing over the formidable Greek competitor Ilias Iliadis with a decisive yuko.

Tsirekidze's prowess was further showcased at the 2008 Summer Olympics, where he secured another gold medal by defeating Algerian judoka Amar Benikhlef in the final match. This victory not only solidified his status as one of the elite athletes in judo but also brought pride to his home country of Georgia.

Following his illustrious competitive career, Irakli Tsirekidze transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of head coach for the Georgian National Judo Team after the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. His experience and insights continue to inspire the next generation of judokas, ensuring that his legacy in the sport endures.