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Iconic Soviet-Era Weightlifter Zhabotinskiy Dies In Ukraine


Leonid Zhabotinsky in 1971
Leonid Zhabotinsky in 1971

Legendary Soviet-era weightlifter Leonid Zhabotinskiy has died at the age of 77 in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya.

Zhabotinskiy became a star across the Soviet Union in the 1960s, setting 19 world records in the superheavyweight class, 20 records of the Soviet Union, and 58 records of Ukraine.

Zhabotinskiy won two Olympic gold medals -- in Tokyo in 1964 and in Mexico City in 1968.

He also won the world championship four times and European championship twice.

He became the champion of the Soviet Union five times between 1964 and 1969.

Based on reporting by rian.com.ua and Interfax

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