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The Olympic struggle, medals, and indescribable moments


Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters


Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games are in the past now. Armenia’s team had a brilliant performance in South America and returned with 1 gold medal and 3 silver ones.

This photo story by Mediamax Sport is about the most beautiful and impressive moments of the Rio Olympics, captured in Reuters’ photos.


The 31st Summer Olympics kicked off at the famous Maracana stadium on August 5. Armenia’s flag bearer was swimmer Vahan Mkhitaryan.

Photo: Reuters


The athletics team from Armenia was quite large. One of the members was triple jump contestant Levon Aghasyan, who couldn’t reach the final, unfortunately.

Photo: Reuters


All four medals Armenia got in Rio Olympics were in weightlifting and wrestling.

Photo: Reuters


The only gold medal was won by Greco-Roman wrestler Artur Aleksanyan (98kg). He beat Daniel Lugo (Cuba) in the final and brought Armenia the first Olympic gold in 20 years.

Photo: Reuters


“I am proud and happy that Armenia finally has a gold medal and I am the one taking it home. I dedicate my victory to the heroes, the soldiers who died defending Armenia, and those who are guarding our borders now,” Aleksanyan said after winning the final match.

Photo: Reuters


Another wrestler Mihran Harutyunyan should have won the gold as well, but a biased decision by the referee meant he had to be satisfied with the silver medal.

Photo: Reuters


Harutyunyan was so disappointed by the injustice that he couldn’t hold back tears as he stood on the podium to receive the medal.

Photo: Reuters


The first silver medal in weightlifting was won by Simon Martirosyan, whose total result was 417kg.

“I am so, so happy! I can’t tell how I’m feeling. I was going for the gold, but it was not to be this time. I don’t worry about it. I’m only 19 years old and I can do better,” said Martirosyan.

He did just that, winning both the World and European titles afterwards.

Photo: Reuters


Weightlifters in the heavyweight class were the last members of the Armenia team to compete. Gor Minasyan won the second silver for the team by lifting 451kg in total.

Photo: Reuters


It was his first time in the Olympics, but Minasyan was unfazed by the responsibility. The moment he climbed the podium was one of pride and happiness.

Photo: Reuters


Armenia had another athlete in the same weight category, Ruben Aleksanyan. He also performed well and finished fourth with the total result of 440kg.

Photo: Reuters

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