We spent a few hours in Masis with Arsen Harutyunyan for the Paris-2024 series of Mediamax Sport. After taking photos in the city center, we headed to his friend’s apricot garden, enjoying the beautiful view of Mount Ararat on the way.
Date of birth: November 22, 1999, in Masis.
Sport: Freestyle wrestling (57 kg).
Personal coach: Arshak Hayrapetyan.
Marital status: I am married, my daughter Maria is 10 months old.
Hobby: I enjoy visiting places outside the city that are not crowded, especially those with mountains and water. In such places, I can think clearly and find right direction.
Education: I graduated from the Master’s degree of the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture, now I am studying at the Marketing and Business Department at the University of Economics.
Photo: Mediamax
The uniqueness of wrestling: In wrestling, the first lesson is not about mastering techniques, but about making friends.
The most impressive career achievement: The 2019 European Championship. It was the first time I achieved such a success in a big sport, and it marked the beginning of my series of victories.
The heaviest defeat: At the Tokyo Olympics. It was a crushing blow, whenever I remember it, I feel a whirlwind of emotions.
Second games: I learned a lot from the Tokyo Games. I realized that an athlete can only win by enduring hardship day and night; there is no other path to success.
Photo: Mediamax
Procedure before the start: I kiss my cross, which is always with me, and enter the carpet.
- Arsen, your strengths and weaknesses.
- My strength is not giving up, nothing is impossible for me. I won’t say it’s my weakness, but sometimes I make decisions very quickly.
- The biggest joy you have had recently.
- The birth of my daughter. She completely changed me and everything around me. Day by day I realize that this world is more colorful. I learn something new about life with Maria’s every smile, word, sparkle in her eyes.
- Your biggest fear.
- I have no fears, because I overcome them one by one. I was afraid of dogs, now I keep a dog.
Photo: Mediamax
- What do you value most in people?
- Sincerity.
- What is happiness for you?
- It is a very comprehensive word, but first of all it includes a warm family atmosphere and solidarity.
- What makes you confident?
- Honesty and sincerity. When I have no tension and live calmly, I feel confident.
- The most favorite places in your city.
- I feel good everywhere, but I especially love my home, where I can fully rest. Since I often go to church, God’s house holds a special place for me.
Photo: Mediamax
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Purposeful, unyielding and brave.
- The most important achievement in life.
- One of the most important achievements is that I met a very smart girl, and now she is my wife, and of course my daughter.
- What are you most grateful for?
- For many things, but first of all I am grateful to my father, he found time to take me to wrestling.
Photo: Mediamax
- What do you need to go to the Olympic Games?
- First of all, an Olympic ticket, then hard training, a good mood, and, of course, a plane to take us to Paris.
- What do Armenians and French have in common?
- We share a similar way of thinking, the French like Armenians, are warm and hospitable. Just as Armenians introduce their guests to their cuisine and delicious food, the French do the same.
Photo: Mediamax
- Your favorite French food?
- I don’t remember all the names, but I like julienne very much.
- Three things peculiar to Paris.
- The first is the Eiffel Tower and love. There is happiness in that city. About 5 months ago, I spent 15 days in Paris specifically to explore the city and the wrestling hall. I visited almost every corner of Paris. The wrestling hall is right in front of the tower and a beautiful view opens up from there.
- What French words do you know?
- I know many basic words and expressions, which Arman Eloyan, who represents France, taught me.
Photo: Mediamax
- Your favorite Olympic medalist or champion Armenian athletes.
- I love all athletes. I will not single out anyone, but Artur Aleksanyan and Armen Nazaryan inspired us all the most.
- And from world sports?
- The world, European and Olympic champion Vladimir Khinchegashvili. Recently, he conveyed an important message to me through the World Champion Aram Margaryan. He said, “If there is someone I see as an Olympic champion in my weight category, it is Arsen. He can confidently beat all. If he feels good, there will be no unbeatable rival for him.”
- If you had the chance, which Olympic Games would you participate in?
- I would very much like to participate in the Olympic Games in Rio, because many legendary athletes have performed in my weight category. It would be great to see my strength against them.
Photo: Mediamax
- Which of your qualities would you like to strengthen more?
- I have discovered something recently: there is a unique way to wrestle with each opponent, and finding that approach is crucial. I have started adapting my style based on my competitors, and it is a quality I need to strengthen.
- What does victory consist of?
- Suffering.
- What are the lessons of defeat?
- You can correct your mistakes and move forward.
Photo: Mediamax
- What is this Armenian Olympic team like?
- Such a strong team like this participated in 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. We had five athletes and four of them returned with medals - three gold and one silver. I know how difficult it will be for all of us, but nothing is impossible. There will be many medals at the Paris Games, including gold.
Arsen Harutyunyan is a four-time European champion.
He won a bronze medal once at the European Championship
He is the World 3rd prize winner
Second prize winner of the World Cup
Double world champion under 23
Hasmik Babayan spoke with Arsen Harutyunyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
Translated by Diana Manukyan
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