We met 21-year-old weightlifter Garik Karapetyan in his beloved Gyumri. On a sunny and warm day, we strolled around Vardanants Square, visited Garik’s favorite Holy Mother of God Church (Seven Wounds) and Holy Minas Chapel. Today, Mediamax Sport will feature Garik Karapetyan in its Paris-2024 series.
Photo: Mediamax
Date of birth: June 11, 2003, in Gyumri.
Sport: Weightlifting (102 kg).
Personal coach: His father, Alexan Karapetyan.
Education: Studies at Mikael Nalbandyan State University of Shirak.
Marital status: Not married.
Favorite activity: I like detective genre films. I will single out “The Fast and the Furious” in particular.
Photo: Mediamax
The choice of weightlifting: My father was a weightlifter and I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps. In weightlifting, I am attracted to the struggle and the principles that help to move forward.
Most impressive career achievement: In 2018, when I took part in the European Youth Championship for the first time and became a gold medalist.
Procedure before the start: I pray.
Photo: Mediamax
First Olympic Games: Not every person is lucky enough to make it to the podium of the games, but I did it. A few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined that I would represent Armenia in the 102 kg weight category in 2024. It all started with the 2023 Senior European Championship, where I became the champion. That victory gave me confidence.
The motto: Never give up.
Photo: Mediamax
- Garik, your strengths and weaknesses.
- The weakness is that I am very forgiving, and the strength is kindness.
- What do you value most in people?
- Sincerity.
Photo: Mediamax
- What makes you confident?
- My father’s advice.
- What are you most grateful for?
- For each day.
Photo: Mediamax
- Important people in your life.
- My parents.
- Garik, what do you need to go to the Olympics?
- I will not limit myself to having a ticket. Now the commitment is even greater, I train harder to ensure visible results. There are 10 weightlifters in the 102 kg weight category, all of us strong. I have to be ready for a fierce competition.
Photo: Mediamax
- What was the most unique Olympic Games for you?
- I was not born during the 1996 and 2000 games but when I got older, I watched the videos of those games. My father participated in the first one, and during the second, I watched Georgian Kakhi Kakhiashvili performances.
Photo: Mediamax
- Three things peculiar to Paris.
- The Eiffel Tower, the Olympic Games. Thirdly, I will mention the athletes who will be in Paris in a few days.
- Will you be in Paris for the first time?
- Yes. I always wanted to go to Paris, but I never thought that our meeting would be during the games.
- Favorite French song.
- I listen to Charles Aznavour’s songs.
Photo: Mediamax
- What is France famous for in the world?
- With its art, culture, fashion.
- Do you remember the Olympic Games that you watched for the first time?
- In 2008, I was still young, but I watched the performances of our weightlifters. Until now, I remember well the performances of Hripsime Khurshudyan, Tigran Martirosyan and Gevorg Davtyan.
Photo: Mediamax
- Garik, if you had the chance, which Olympic Games would you participate in?
- In the games of 2004. There were more legendary weightlifters at that time. It would be a great honor to compete with them.
- Which of your qualities would you like to improve?
- Diligence.
Photo: Mediamax
- What does victory consist of?
- Diligence, strong will.
Photo: Mediamax
- What is the Armenian Olympic team like?
- It is steady and strong. I know some of the team members and communicate with them. The important thing is to participate without injuries and return with medals.
Photo: Mediamax
Garik Karapetyan is a two-time gold medalist of the European Youth Championship and three-time gold medalist of the World Championship
2023 European Champion
2024 European Championship bronze medalist
Junior World record holder
He will participate in the Olympic Games for the first time.
Gohar Nalbandyan spoke with Garik Karapetyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
Translated by Diana Manukyan
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