Divers Vladimir Harutyunyan and Lev Sargsyan are the first in the Republic of Armenia to win a medal in European Championship.
The athletes took the bronze in synchronized 10m event in Glasgow 2018.
Mediamax Sport has talked with Vladimir Harutyunyan, who told us about the challenges they faced ahead of the tournament and the performance itself.
Photo: European Aquatics
Lev and I both had injuries. Mine was an arm injury and Lev had a shoulder injury. The training was difficult. We were always unhappy with this or that jump and we had little time to correct our errors.
You are well-aware of the conditions we train in here, in Armenia. There are none, so we practiced in the training hall. The same as last year, we trained in the pool only at the venue, several days prior to the tournament.
Nevertheless, we had faith we would win a medal. We worked very hard over the years and finally, we have our prize.
Photo: European Aquatics
We wished each other luck before going to the platform. Our coach Hrachya Chandiryan told us to focus and show our best jump. In the 5th attempt, I told Lev we couldn’t lose focus, because our medal depended on that.
I am grateful to coach Hrachya Chandiryan for this success. I also thank my parents, and my grandmother especially.
Photo: European Aquatics
I cannot describe how it feels, I have no words. We understand this achievement is unprecedented for the independent Armenia.
I have postponed celebrations. Today I’m in the synchronized 3m event with my brother Azat, so I need to maintain my focus and do my best again.
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