However, Dimas, the 33-year-old strongman who overcame a battered body to finish third after Andrei Rybakou of Belarus, won the hearts of hundreds of cheering supporters who packed into the Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall.

In a symbolic gesture after his final lift, Dimas removed his shoes and left them on the platform to indicate his retirement from the sport.

"This was the last competition of my career," Dimas said. "That 's why I took off my shoes after my final attempt."

On his plan in the coming years, Dimas said: "I am already 33.5 years old and I'll be 37.5 by the 2008 Olympic Games."

"I prefer to quit and enjoy my family," he added.

Asanidze, who finished third on bodyweight difference in Sydney behind Dimas and Mark Huster of Germany, established an early lead in the snatch (177.5kg) and increased it with 205kg in the clean and jerk to finish with a total of 382.5.

"I am extremely happy," said Asanidze. "Winning the gold medal was a goal set in Sydney. And now, four years later I have achieved it."

Rybakou had lifted a total of 380kg earlier in the day in Group B and the total for Dimas was 377.5kg.

"I am very pleased," Rybakou said. "In the morning, while I was competing in Group B, I never expected to win the silver medal."

Talking about the emotional moment at the medal ceremony where a sell-out audience applauded and cheered on him for a few minutes, Dimas said: "What happened today, during the ceremony, has never happened before."

"I am lost for words to describe these incredible moments. I thank everybody," he added.