Runner Yervand Mkrtchyan is the only Armenian athlete who will participate in Paris-2024. Together with the Mediamax Sport team, we walked around and talked with him in Gyumri.
Photo: Mediamax
Date of birth: July 11, 1996, in Jradzor village.
Sport: Athletics, running.
Personal coach: Grigor Barseghyan
Photo: Mediamax
Education: Studies at Mikayel Nalbandyan State University of Shirak.
Marital status: Not married.
The choice of athletics: For 6 years, I went to the Armenian folk dance, and for a year I trained in wrestling. I went to athletics at the age of 16. My coach was a long jumper and wanted me to follow his path. I didn’t like long jump and found myself in middle and long distance running.
Hobby: I listen to club music and dance.
Photo: Mediamax
Most impressive career achievement: Becaming the champion of Armenia for the first time at the age of 17.
First Olympic Games: My goal was to participate in the Olympic Games. I will try to participate at a high level and surpass myself.
The motto: Fast and strong.
Photo: Mediamax
- Yervand, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
- I always tell my parents that they brought me up too kind, which is not compatible with this century. Perhaps the strongest thing is not giving up.
- What was your greatest joy recently?
- To qualify for Olympics.
Photo: Mediamax
- The biggest fear.
- Losing a loved one.
- What do you value most in people?
- Caring for each other.
Photo: Mediamax
- What makes you confident?
- When I see the result of what I did.
- Your favorite places in Jradzor or Gyumri.
- In our village, every corner is dear, I spent my childhood there. In Gyumri, I love Shirak stadium, where I practice and spend most of the day.
Photo: Mediamax
- Would you describe yourself in three words?
- Good, strong, fast.
- Yervand, what do you need to go to the Olympic Games?
- Goal, desire, talent. Of course, I can’t think about a medal now, but my goal is to reach the final.
- What is characteristic of Paris?
- It is really a city of love, it is warm and beautiful.
Photo: Mediamax
- When you say Paris, what comes to your mind first?
- Only the Olympic Games.
- Your favorite French food
- Hot croissant is very tasty.
Photo: Mediamax
- And what music do you listen to?
- I am a fan of French rap. It is true that Charles Aznavour sings in French, but he is ours.
- What is France famous for in the world?
- The Eiffel tower.
Photo: Mediamax
- If you had the chance, which Olympic Games would you like to participate in?
- In the games of 2028. The Paris Games can be a kind of springboard for me towards 2028, towards other goals and their realization.
Photo: Mediamax
- What does victory consist of?
- From data, strength, long and hard training.
Photo: Mediamax
- What is the Armenian Olympic team like?
- It is the best team in so many Olympic Games and it seems to me that we will have many medals. I have such confidence because I know everyone well and I follow their performance.
- What do you wish for your teammates?
- Everyone to perform at their highest level, enjoy the games. I will do it myself, I will enjoy every moment: opening, competitions, trainings.
Photo: Mediamax
Yervand Mkrtchyan is Armenia’s multiple champion and record holder
Third prize winner of the Student Championship
Champion of European Small Countries Championship
Team champion of European Small Countries Championship
Gold medalist at Balkan Countries Championship
He will participate in the Olympic Games for the first time.
Gohar Nalbandyan spoke with Yervand Mkrtchyan
Photos by Agape Grigoryan
Translated by Diana Manukyan
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