This time, in the Paris-2024 series of Mediamax Sport, together with weightlifter Varazdat Lalayan, we toured in the center of Gyumri, well-known to many from Armenian films.
Date of birth: May 1, 1999, in Gyumri.
Marital status: Not married.
Sport: Weightlifting (+109 kg).
Personal coach: Karen Karapetyan
Favorite activity: Likes spending free time with friends.
Education: Studied at the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture.
The uniqueness of weightlifting: Weightlifting is mine in every way, and the suffering and hardships are close to my heart.
The most impressive career achievement: Winning the World Youth Championship and this year’s European Championship gold. Before these victories, I had not yet managed to become a champion in adult competitions. The feeling was indescribable and absolutely wonderful.
Photo: Mediamax
The heaviest and unexpected defeat: I have not experienced such failures. In all competitions, I have mostly performed within my abilities.
Procedure before the start: I try to concentrate and not think about anything.
First Olympic Games: I don’t expect a miracle at the Paris Games. I prepared for this event in the same way as for my other competitions. It’s the same now, just the responsibility is different. I want to perform well and demonstrate myself as a great athlete.
Photo: Mediamax
The motivation: I’m usually motivated by reflecting on the hardships and suffering I have endured to reach this point.
The motto: I don’t have a specific motto, but like all athletes, I constantly remind myself that I cannot give up.
- Varazdat, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
- It is a difficult question, but I will try to answer it. I am free-willed, I can deprive myself of everything to achieve my goal and not be tempted by anything. And I have no weaknesses.
Photo: Mediamax
- What was your greatest joy recently?
- A few weeks ago, I was baptized in Saint Grigor Lusavorich Church in Gyumri and became a “legal” Christian.
- What is your biggest fear?
- There is nothing more terrible than losing a loved one.
- What do you value most in people?
- Devotion.
- What is happiness for you?
- Now I am happy, but I cannot fully explain what I feel.
Photo: Mediamax
- The most favorite places in Gyumri.
- Every church in Gyumri is close to me. I can find peace and get energy in churches.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Kind, devoted, willing.
- The most important achievement in life.
- Sport.
- What are you most grateful for?
- I am most grateful to my parents for giving me life.
- A song that you listen to in special moments.
- There are many motivating songs, but Artur Meschyan’s all performances touch my heart.
- An outstanding event that happened in your life recently.
- It was Rafik Harutyunyan’s wedding. Besides being my friend, he is also my godfather. I enjoy dancing and even singing on such occasions, and how I will present myself depends on the atmosphere.
- What do you need to go to the Olympic Games?
-Willpower.
Photo: Mediamax
- What was the most special Olympic Games for you?
- The Rio games, because our athletes stood out there, we had Olympic champions and medal winners. In 2016, I didn’t even think that one day I would go to the Olympic Games.
- What do Armenians and French have in common?
- I don’t see any common things between Armenians and French.
- Three things peculiar to Paris.
- I haven’t been to Paris yet, but I really want to. Only the fact that the games will be held in Paris is special for me. Another one is the Eiffel Tower. I’ll mention the third after I get there.
Photo: Mediamax
- Your favorite French food?
I like Roquefort cheese very much.
- And the film?
- Although I rarely watch movies, I will single out “Taxi.”
- Your favorite Olympic medalist or champion Armenian athletes.
- What all Olympic champions have done is worthy of a feat, it doesn’t matter how many times they have won. They showed strength of will and persistence to conquer that peak.
- If you had the chance, which Olympic Games would you participate in?
- Probably the ancient games, because at that time everything was more interesting. It would have been interesting to see where the origins of the competitions come from. Why not, I would also like to compete in the same Olympic Games with King Varazdat.
-Which of your qualities would you like to strengthen even more?
-Usually, whatever athletes do, they think it is not enough. But what I have at the moment is enough for me.
- What does victory consist of?
- From diligence and aspiration.
- What are the lessons of defeat?
- Usually failures teach more lessons than victories themselves. They make you more fighting and aspiring.
Photo: MeMediamaxdiamax
- What is the Armenian Olympic team like and what do you wish all of you?
- In my opinion, we have a very good team, ready for great achievements. I wish everyone success. Let everyone be able to perform at their best.
Varazdat Lalayan is a European champion, double silver and bronze medalist
He won 2 silver and 1 bronze medals at the World Championship
Hasmik Babayan spoke with Varazdat Lalayan
Photos by Agape Grigoryan
Translated by Diana Manukyan
