We met with Malkhas Amoyan for the Paris-2024 series of Mediamax Sport at the Sport and Concert Complex after Karen Demirtchian, walked around the building and visited the Memorial to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Date of birth: January 22, 1999, in Yerevan.
Sport: Greco-Roman (77 kg).
Personal coach: Hamlet Hovhannisyan.
Marital status: Not married.
Hobby: Spends free time with friends and in nature.
Education: This year he graduated from the International Relations Faculty of YSU, and is also studying at the Master’s degree program at the State University of Economics of Armenia.
Photo: Mediamax
The most impressive career achievement: I achieved everything with difficulty, but my victory in the 2021 World Championship stands out. Becoming the World Champion was a long-held dream, and I managed to achieve that goal.
The heaviest defeat: It was in 2023, in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Procedure before the start: Faith in God and myself mainly helps.
First Olympic Games: I try not to take too much responsibility and stress, approaching this event as if it were a regular tournament. Excessive concentration can be counterproductive, so I remain as calm as possible. The name of “Olympic Games” is resounding, but I focus on training properly, enhancing my skills, and getting in good shape, just as I always have.
Photo: Mediamax
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- I get depressed and flare up quickly, which is a hindrance in many situations. And my strong point is hard work.
- Malkhas, what was your greatest joy recently?
- Recently, there haven’t been many occasions to be happy. However, I remember feeling the greatest joy when my friend Arsen Harutyunyan had a daughter.
-The biggest fear.
- I am not afraid of losing and making mistakes, but I am afraid of God.
Photo: Mediamax
- What do you value most in people?
- Sincerity and loyalty.
- What is happiness for you?
-Happiness is important in everyone’s life, I want it to be as much as possible. It gives people energy and cheers them up.
- What makes you confident?
- Faith.
- The most favorite and familiar places in Yerevan.
- Tsitsernakaberd memorial is one of my favorite places. We all know that the Genocide Memorial is located here, it is a very powerful message to the whole world. I also like Saryan Street, which has a very special energy.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Not talkative, hardworking, fighting.
Photo: Mediamax
- The most important achievement in life.
- The World and European championships. I fell asleep and woke up with the dream of becoming a champion from a young age, and one day I made it.
- What are you most grateful for?
- I am grateful for both good and bad days of my life.
- What do you need to go to the Olympic Games?
- It is necessary to be psychologically and physically prepared, and the rest will be clear on the carpet. You definitely need to train and be disciplined. All that will help you achieve your goal.
Photo: Mediamax
- Why do you think the games are held every 4 years?
- The Olympic Games are very large-scale events that encompass almost all sports, which is why they are organized with a long interval. Since they happen every 4 years, the importance of the games increases and makes the athletes feel a lot of tension.
- What was the most unique Olympic Games for you?
- In the 2008 Beijing Games, my uncle Roman Amoyan also participated and became a bronze medalist. I was 9 years old at that time and watched very attentively. He used to hand over all his medals to me, and he did the same at that time at the airport after returning from Beijing.
Photo: Mediamax
- What are the differences between Armenians and French?
- In my opinion, they are be different in style, character and temperament.
-Three things special to Paris.
- First of all, when I say Paris, I remember Charles Aznavour, the other thing is the Eiffel Tower, and the city is also famous for its museums. Now, when I think of Paris, only the Olympic Games come to mind.
- Favorite French song.
-Zaz’s “Je veux”.
- What word or phrase do you know in French?
- Hello and how are you.
Photo: Mediamax
- What do you think France is famous for in the world?
- With its history, museums, fashion, perfume and distinctive clothing brands.
- Which French athlete stands out for you?
- I know Kylian Mbappé. I was very impressed with his game. They also have a famous three-time Olympic judo champion.
- Your favorite Olympic medalist or champion Armenian athletes.
- Artur Aleksanyan, loved by all of us and our living legend, the only gold medalist yet. I hope he will become a two-time Olympic champion in Paris. Artur is an example for all of us, we learn a lot from him.
Photo: Mediamax
- And from world sports?
- I will single out our Armenian wrestlers in particular, Armen Nazaryan, my uncle, Alfred Ter-Mkrtchyan, there are many famous Armenian wrestlers, all of them are important to me.
Photo: Mediamax
- What does victory consist of?
- Every little thing can contribute to victory: discipline, diligence, faith, dedication.
- What are the lessons of defeat?
- I had a lot of hard defeats, but you should be able to survive them, because every time you get a new chance to make a change. Life goes on, it is necessary to draw conclusions and move forward.
Photo: Mediamax
- What is the Armenian Olympic team like and what do you wish for all of you?
- Although we are few in number this year, we are strong and there will be more medals, including gold. I wish everyone gold medals, the rest depends on each of us.
Malkhas Amoyan is the World Champion
Three-time European champion and silver medalist
Second prize winner of the World Cup
Winner of Under-23 European Championship.
Hasmik Babayan spoke with Malkhas Amoyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
Translated by Diana Manukyan
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