The Armenian Olympic team will have two representatives in freestyle wrestling. One of them is Vazgen Tevanyan, who we met in Khor Virap within the framework of Paris-2024 series of Mediamax Sport. Vazgen came with his wife Sona.
Photo: Mediamax
Date of birth: October 27, 1999, in Pokr Vedi.
Sport: Freestyle wrestling (65 kg).
Personal coach: Rafik Goletsyan.
Education: Studied at the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture.
Marital status: Married.
The uniqueness of freestyle wrestling: Wrestling brings people closer, creates friendship between them. I liked it because of its beautiful techniques and also of its complexity, which makes the sport attractive.
Photo: Mediamax
Most impressive career achievement: Qualifying for 2021 and 2023 Olympic Games.
The heaviest defeat: In the semi-finals of the 2023 World Championship, I missed the victory in the last seconds.
Photo: Mediamax
Second Olympic Games: I performed for the first time in Tokyo, at that time there were many restrictions, I did not feel the Olympic spirit. Now I’m more experienced and have stepped onto the Olympic stage and I know what it is like. This time, I will approach the games with more calmness and a positive mindset.
Photo: Mediamax
- Vazgen, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
- I have no weaknesses, and the strength is that I have no weaknesses.
- The biggest joy you have had recently.
- It is my marriage, 6 months ago.
Photo: Mediamax
- The biggest fear.
- I have worries, but there is no need to be afraid, because everything is in God’s hands. A person should live and organize own life in a way not to have any regrets and fears.
- What makes you confident?
- When I am satisfied with myself, when after each training I feel that I have improved my qualities, and I am ready for the upcoming fight.
Photo: Mediamax
- Places where you really like to be or would like to be.
- I love to travel and get to know different cultures. My wife, Sona, is from Lyon. That city has become one of my favorite places. I have been to Tokyo, but I didn’t manage to walk there, I will definitely go there again one day. And I really want to be in London.
Photo: Mediamax
- What are you most grateful for?
- I thank God for giving me the opportunity and ability to achieve my goals in my favorite field.
Photo: Mediamax
- Vazgen, what do you need to go to the Olympic Games?
- Confidence to become a champion, good physical condition, and, of course, luck.
- What was the most special Olympic Games for you?
Photo: Mediamax
- The 2016 Rio Games. I carefully followed the wrestling competitions. I even wrote down which of our boys would wrestle and when and who they would face if they won.
- Three things peculiar to Paris.
- I have been to Paris and I can say that beauty, love and now the Olympic Games are peculiar to that city.
Photo: Mediamax
- Do you have a favorite place in Paris?
- If I become the champion, the place where the competition will be held, will definitely become my favorite place.
- What comes to your mind first when you say Paris?
- Now only the Olympic Games, I don’t even think about anything else.
Photo: Mediamax
- Vazgen, what is France famous for in the world?
- Delicious cuisine, football, beautiful and historical places.
Photo: Mediamax
- If you had the chance, which Olympic Games would you participate in?
- I believe that everything happens in its own time. Now is the right moment for me to participate in these games and win a medal.
Photo: Mediamax
- Which of your qualities would you like to strengthen more?
- Resistance.
Photo: Mediamax
- What does victory consist of?
- Victories do not happen just like that. First of all, you need to train well, and on the day of the competition, nothing should stop you. You need to get on the mat and fully concentrate on wrestling.
- What will you wish your teammates?
- The Armenian national team has a quality team. In wrestling alone, we have five athletes, all capable of winning medals. I wish us best performances without injuries.
Photo: Mediamax
Vazgen Tevanyan is a 2023 World bronze medalist
2023 European champion
2020 World Cup gold medalist
He will participate in the Olympic Games for the second time.
Gohar Nalbandyan spoke with Vazgen Tevanyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
Translated by Diana Manukyan
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