Tediashvili Levan

Tediashvili, Levan (15. III. 1948, Zemo Ubani, Sagarejo Municipality – 17. II. 2024, Tbilisi), athlete (freestyle wrestling). Merited Master of Sports of the USSR (1971). He graduated from the Georgian Institute of Physical Culture (1971) and Tbilisi State University (1978). Tediashvili was a two-time Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling (1972, Munich; 1976, Montreal), a four-time World champion (1971, 1973, 1974, 1975), and a silver medalist (1978). He was also a World Cup winner (1979).

Tediashvili earned the titles of World Universiade champion (1973), three-time European champion (1974, 1976, 1978), and three-time USSR champion (1971, 1973, 1974). He was also a World Sambo champion (1973). He is the only wrestler in the world to have held championship titles in three different weight categories. He was distinguished by his high technical proficiency, a vast repertoire of maneuvers, refined tactical skill, great physical strength, and endurance. His coach was V. Balavadze.

Tediashvili served as a member of the Parliament of Georgia (1995–99). He was named Georgia's Athlete of the Year three times (1971, 1973–74) and was recognized as the 3rd Best Georgian Athlete of the 20th Century (Bronze Prize). In 1987, he performed the leading role in the film Khareba and Gogia, directed by G. Shengelaia. He received numerous state awards, including the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali, 2nd Class (1995), the Order of Honor (1998), and the SEOC and FILA orders. He was a Honorary Citizen of Tbilisi (2003).