A year ago today ArturAleksanyan won the 14th gold medal for Armenia in the 31st Summer Olympic Games.
ArturAleksanyan brought the fondest dream of all athletes into reality, when he became the Olympic champion. He won the most desirable title to be always at the very top.
He made everyone feel pride and joy, shine with a happy smile and share the grief of loss at the same time.
Photo: Mediamax
Aleksanyan is not an ordinary athlete, so he marked his victory in a completely different manner.
Artur wore a t-shirt with the picture of Robert Abajyan, 19-year-old junior sergeant who lost his life during the April war in 2016. The Olympic champion heroically honored the memory of Armenian martyrs.
Mediamax Sport presents the story of the Olympic t-shirt, told by Artur’s close friend, Greco-Roman wrestler VagharshakMinasyan.
The secret intention and its realization
The April of 2016 was a tough and dark period in Armenia. The 4-day war touched everyone’s hearts. The Armenian athletes also shared the grief, while the year was very responsible and important for them. They had to prepare for the Olympic Games in Rio at the same period.
The idea of wearing such a shirt in Rio came to Artur during yet another training camp.
Photo: Mediamax
We were preparing for the event in August and talking to each other, while the topic of war was always on our minds. Once Artur told me about his intention, and we decided to keep it secret.
Aleksanyan chose the picture of Robert Abajyan, while Minasyan was responsible for ordering the shirt. It was ready only a few days before the team’s departure for Rio.
Artur really wanted to wear the t-shirt but decided to show it only in case of winning the gold medal. It is not allowed to wear t-shirts with anyone’s picture during the prize ceremony of the Olympic Games, otherwise you can be disqualified. Artur took the risk and went for his intention.
Everyone in Gyumri (Artur’s native town) and Yerevan followed the games with enthusiasm. A lot of people, friends and family members came to follow Artur’s decisive fight on the screen, placed in Gyumri Vardanants Square.
When he becamethe Olympic champion, I told everyone that Arturprepared a surprise but did not reveal it. I just said that he will show his t-shirt and you will understand everything, and that’s what happened. It was a very touching moment.
People were so excited towelcome our Olympiansat the airport. I held Artur on my shoulders, and I was really happy to see the incredible joy everywhere.
Photo: PAN Photo
Victory devoted to heroes
ArturAleksanyan gave his first interview soon after becoming the Olympic champion, when he devoted his victory to the Armenian heroes of April war, all those who lost their lives and those who now protect our borders.
After the April war I was resolved to wear a t-shirt with Robert’s photo in case I win. I would love to have a shirt with photos of all our martyrs, but they are too many, so one shirt is not enough. Robert’s image encompasses all our heroes. This thought came to me as soon as I learned about Abajyan’s feat. I understood a lot thanks to him; I started to realize the true power of the Armenian nation and the way we can use it.
Photo: Mediamax
The athlete wished to show the Armenian hero to the whole world, and neither the Olympic Charter nor other restrictions could stop him from bringing his intention into reality.
Hasmik Babayan
Photos by Gohar Nalbandyan
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