For the Mediamax Sport’s series Paris-2024, Artur Aleksanyan wished to be photographed in one of his favorite places in Gyumri, near the monument “Mother Armenia”. Together with him we also visited “Black Fortress”.
Date of birth: October 21, 1991, in Gyumri.
Sport: Greco-Roman style wrestling (97 kg).
Personal coach: Gevorg Alexanyan.
Marital status: Not married.
Education: Graduated from the Master’s program of State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports of Armenia.
Hobby: I like to spend time with friends in the city, and if I’m not at training camp, I play football.
Photo: Mediamax
The most impressive career achievement: I have had many achievements, but I will mention the Olympic gold in Rio, 8 years have already passed. Now I want to have the second gold, that’s my goal.
The heaviest and unexpected defeat: It was in the final of last year’s World Championship. With only a few seconds left, I relaxed, thinking I had already won. The defeat in the final of the Tokyo Olympic Games was also very painful. Although I haven’t faced many defeats, I still can’t put up with them.
Photo: Mediamax
The fourth Olympic Games: I already have all kinds of medals, I am more mature and approach the games calmly due to being experienced.
Armenians and great sports: It is not accurate to say that medal-winning athletes from our country follow the same path as those from other countries. We are a very small country in those big games, and in case of equal results or a small differences, the preference always goes to the opponent. Unlike others, we must rely more on ourselves.
Photo: Mediamax
The problems of the country: Of course, everything that happens in Armenia affects every citizen and us as well. We think about our country and soldiers, we all wish to live in a peaceful country.
- Artur, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Strengths are determination and diligence, and I will keep silent about the weaknesses, so that competitors do not find out about them.
Photo: Mediamax
- The biggest joy you had recently.
- The seventh European Championship.
- Your biggest fear.
- I have no fears.
- What do you value most in people?
- Honesty and modesty.
- What is happiness for you?
- My family and relatives.
- What makes you confident?
- My victories.
Photo: Mediamax
- The most favorite places in Gyumri.
- I love the whole city and especially the center, it is very beautiful. I am very happy that the old city has been preserved and remains so unique. I particularly enjoy the area around the Mother Armenia monument for its calmness, I often train there. I have visited many cities, but I always find myself missing my hometown.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Hardworking, purposeful, kind.
- What are you most grateful for?
-I thank God for everything he has given me as an athlete and a person.
Photo: Mediamax
- Who are the important people in your life?
- My parents. My father is always by my side.
- The expression that characterizes you.
- People call me “our champion” or “champion” as well as “white bear”.
- What do you need to go to the Olympic Games?
- I will tell you what is the most important - the correct psychological preparation. The real struggle is inside you. I have always been mentally prepared. I got such confidence primarily from training. I never spared myself in the gym. I always trained as if it were the last time.
Photo: Mediamax
- How not to lose motivation and keep the thirst for victories?
- I have won all possible tournaments, but I am never satisfied. I always strive to achieve more. There are no limits for me.
- Artur, why do you think the games are held every 4 years?
- The Olympic Games are the biggest tournament and you cannot prepare for and participate in them at any moment. Four years is a long period of time, which adds significance to the games. You don’t know what will happen next, so you have to focus on the single opportunity given to you.
Photo: Mediamax
- Which was the most unique Olympic Games for you?
-Rio games.
- What do Armenians and French have in common?
- France is a friendly country, they treat us well, but having been in different countries, I felt that Italians are more like Armenians.
- Four things that come to your mind when you say Paris.
- Gold medal, the Eiffel Tower, Charles Aznavour and Champs Elysées.
Photo: Mediamax
- Favorite French song and movie.
- I have always loved Gerard Depardieu and watched his films. I will single out “Crime Spree”. And the songs are definitely Aznavour’s.
- What do you know in French?
-Merci (thanks).
- Your favorite Olympic medalist or champion Armenian athletes.
-Of course, it is Nazaryan, who is older than me, but we have good and friendly relations.
Photo: Mediamax
-And from world sports?
- Rafael Nadal is a real example for me with his fighting and unyielding character.
- If you had the chance, which Olympic Games would you participate in?
- I will be participating in my fourth Olympic Games already, which I am completely satisfied with, but I would not mind competing in the first modern Games. I saw from the footage of wrestling how easy the fight was, I would already have several golds. Sport develops and changes very quickly.
-Which of your qualities would you like to strengthen?
- If there was a chance, all of them.
- What does victory consist of?
- Not giving up, fighting, will power and spirit.
Photo: Mediamax
- What are the lessons of defeat?
- Defeats taught me valuable lessons and were more important than the victories, as they fostered my growth.
- Artur, what is the Armenian Olympic team like this time?
- Although we are few in number, expectations are very high. We have a fighting and strong team, and I hope we will return with many medals. I would advise them not to think too much about the games, to be confident in their abilities, and to perform their best on the day of the competition, showing what they are truly capable of.
Artur Aleksanyan is a 7-time European champion, a two-time silver and bronze medalist
He is a 4-time world champion and 3-time silver prize winner
Winner of the European Games
Olympic champion, silver and bronze medalist.
Hasmik Babayan spoke with Artur Alexanyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
Translated by Diana Manukyan
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