Germany weightlifter who went viral at 2008 Olympics for winning gold a year after his wife’s tragic death showcases incredible weight loss

A weightlifter who went viral at the 2008 Olympics has showcased his incredible weight loss.

Matthias Steiner, who switched his allegiance to Germany having previously represented Austria, won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Steiner’s wife Susann died in a car accident in 2007 and he dedicated his victory to her.

Following his success Steiner was left hugely emotional and he held a picture of Susann as he accepted the gold medal.

He had applied for German citizenship after moving to the country having met Susann, who had watched him taking part in weightlifting contests on TV.

Steiner dedicated his gold medal at the 2008 Olympics to his wife, who passed away the previous year

Steiner’s considerably slimmer figure has been evident during television appearances 

Steiner won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and retired in 2013

Steiner competed at the London Olympics in 2012 but had to abandon the competition after he suffered an injury having been hit in the neck by the barbell when attempting to pull 196 kg. 

In 2013, he announced his retirement from competitive weightlifting.

Steiner’s weight loss in recent years has been hugely impressive, with a music video from 2017 showing his considerably slimmer figure.

The 41-year-old, who has Type-1 diabetes, has also demonstrated his weight loss during various television appearances.

He married German TV newsreader Inge Posmyk in 2011.