Greco-Roman style wrestler Maksim Manukyan cannot wait for the Olympic Games in summer, which will be his first.
Mediamax Sport talked to the sportsman and made several discoveries.
- You earned the Olympic quota in a very difficult fight. What was your fist thought after you won?
- It was a really difficult fight, and I’ve been waiting for that victory for a long time. I finally got a place in our Olympic team. Now I think about winning a medal.
- Maksim, how did you get into wrestling?
- I began training when I was 10 years old. My brother went to wrestling first, and I followed him. I was physically strong, I won tournaments and enjoyed it very much. However, I left sport after 9 years of training. Time passed, I matured and understood things better, and I returned into sports.
- When you returned, did you believe you would win an Olympic quota one day?
- Naturally, I did. That’s what I came back for. I know many people who say they would have achieved a lot if they didn’t leave sports when they were young. I didn’t want to be one of them. You have to do everything to avoid regrets later.
Photo: Mediamax
- Which Armenian wrestler has always been a role model for you?
- My teammates Artur Aleksanyan and Arsen Julfalakyan. They are my friends, I’m always happy for their victories.
- Which Olympic Games impressed you the most?
- London Olympics, because Artur and Arsen won medals there.
- Which sport would you choose if you were Brazilian?
- I would be a wrestler all the same (laughs - edit.).
- What costume would you wear if you took part in the carnival?
- It depends on the results of the Olympic Games. Probably, I’d be in my sportswear, it’s comfortable.
- Have you ever watched a Brazilian soap opera?
- Sometimes I caught a sight of them with my family, as Armenian TV channels broadcast a lot of Brazilian soap operas.
Photo: Mediamax
- What is your strength as a sportsman?
- I’m very quick on the mat, it always helps me.
- How would you describe yourself?
- I don’t talk much and I don’t like to talk long in general. I made an exception today, you’re lucky.
- Thank you. Maksim, what did you gain and what did you lose because of sports?
- I lost nothing, but I gained good friends, and I traveled. I often think about what I’d become if I didn’t return to sports. I made a very important step.
- What will you cook if we come see you at your place tonight?
- Depends on what you like. I’m not a good cook, but I know a great place where they make amazing barbecue fish.
Photo: Mediamax
- What do you think is the most beautiful sport?
- Tennis.
- You favourite TV program.
- “Kargin haghordum” (comedy show - edit.). I often rewatch it.
- Finish the sentences. When I was little, I dreamed…
- to become a World champion.
- After the Olympics I will definitely…
- go on a vacation.
- What I value in people the most is…
- honesty.
- Wrestling isn’t just sport, but…
- life.
Hasmik Babayan talked to Maksim Manukyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
The partner of the project 
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