1. Early Life and Background
Davit Chakvetadze was born on October 18, 1992, in Kutaisi, Georgia. His early life was spent in his native country, where he began his journey in wrestling. In 2013, seeking to further his athletic career and access more advanced training facilities and competitive environments, Chakvetadze made the pivotal decision to relocate to Russia. This move was made under the direct recommendation of Gogi Koguashvili, the esteemed coach of the Russian national Greco-Roman wrestling team. Following his relocation, Chakvetadze changed his nationality to represent Russia in international competitions, a common practice among athletes seeking optimal development pathways and opportunities for global recognition within well-established national sports programs.
2. Career
Upon his move to Russia in 2013, Davit Chakvetadze integrated into the robust Russian wrestling system, which provided him with comprehensive support and training. He joined the MGFSO Moscow club and trained under the guidance of prominent coaches, including Eduard Zadikhanov, Levan Kezevadze, and notably, Gogi Koguashvili, who had initially encouraged his relocation. This structured environment allowed Chakvetadze to refine his skills and develop into a formidable Greco-Roman wrestler.
His dedication and training quickly yielded significant results within Russia. In 2015, Chakvetadze achieved a major domestic victory by winning the 2015 Russian National Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships. This triumph was particularly notable as he defeated the Olympic Champion Aleksey Mishin in the final match, signaling his emergence as a top contender. That same year, he earned a silver medal at the 2015 FILA Wrestling World Cup and secured a gold medal at the 2015 European Games in the 85 kg category, further solidifying his international standing.
Chakvetadze continued his winning streak by claiming the European Nations' Cup (Moscow Lights) in 2015. He also demonstrated his prowess on the Grand Prix circuit, notably defeating World Champion Zhan Beleniuk with a dominant 9-2 score at the Grand Prix Baku. These early successes paved the way for his participation in the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he continued to showcase his exceptional talent and strategic approach to wrestling.
3. Major Achievements
Davit Chakvetadze has amassed an impressive record of achievements across various prestigious international and national wrestling competitions, underscoring his consistent performance and dominance in the Greco-Roman discipline.
3.1. Olympic Games
Chakvetadze's most significant achievement came at the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Competing in the men's Greco-Roman 85 kg category, he delivered a stellar performance throughout the tournament. His journey culminated in the final match, where he once again faced his formidable Ukrainian rival, Zhan Beleniuk. In a highly anticipated contest, Chakvetadze emerged victorious, securing the gold medal and cementing his place as an Olympic champion.
3.2. World Cup
Chakvetadze has been a consistent performer in the Wrestling World Cup events, contributing to his national team's success and earning individual accolades. He won a gold medal at the 2017 Abadan World Cup in the 85 kg category. Earlier in his career, he secured a silver medal at the 2015 Tehran World Cup, also in the 85 kg division. In 2020, he added another silver medal to his collection at the 2020 Individual Wrestling World Cup held in Belgrade, Serbia, competing in the 87 kg event.
3.3. European Games
At the 2015 European Games held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Davit Chakvetadze showcased his exceptional skill by winning the gold medal in the men's Greco-Roman 85 kg category. This victory further highlighted his rising prominence on the international stage and his ability to perform under pressure in multi-sport events.
3.4. Other Competitions
Beyond the major international championships, Chakvetadze has also achieved notable success in other significant tournaments. In 2015, he became the champion of the 2015 Russian National Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships, defeating Olympic gold medalist Aleksey Mishin. He also claimed victory at the European Nations' Cup (Moscow Lights) in 2015. His performance at the Grand Prix Baku, where he secured a decisive 9-2 win over World Champion Zhan Beleniuk, further underscored his competitive edge and readiness for the highest levels of the sport.