Greco-Roman style wrestler Mihran Harutyunyan (66 kg) will participate in the Olympic Games for the first time this summer.
Mediamax Sport gladly talked to our athlete and presents his interview in the Rio-2016 series.
- Mihran, could you describe what wrestling is for you?
- Wrestling is my job. It’s a sport I love. Wrestling gave me character, will, physical strength, and an opportunity to get on the top, where I will be someone.
- Which sport event impressed you the most?
- Russian Championship in 2012, European Games in Baku, but especially my first tournament. It was 2001, I was 12 and I only went to wrestling classes for three weeks. It was a tournament dedicated to February 23 in Moscow, and we were invited. I remember very well that I was wearing a uniform 2-3 sizes bigger than was necessary… I had five matches and gained victories.
Photo: Mediamax
- These Olympic Games will be your first. What does that mean to you?
- It will be my war, where it’s do or die, I have to win. I went a difficult road, trained all the time and didn’t spare myself, I have to achieve my goal.
- What do you think competition will be like in Rio?
- I think that competition will be especially hard in the 66 and 75 kg weight categories, those have a lot of titled athletes. Each match will require to put maximal effort, not give up and be in the right mood. I will have strong competitors, but I’m not weak myself.
- What do you know about Brazil?
- I know about Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I think it’s a fun, carnival country, where beautifully built women live. Copacabana beach is famous. It’s a blooming, colourful country, I’m sure it will be fun there.
- Do you know what Brazil’s official language is?
- Portuguese.
- Is there an athlete you’d like to meet in Rio?
- Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho.
Photo: Mediamax
- Did you have an idol among athletes at the Olympics?
- Of course. I admired the fights of Armen Nazaryan, Ara Abrahamyan, and Varteres Samurgashev.
- What is you favourite place to visit in Armenia?
- I feel relaxed in churches, no matter where. I like Etchmiadzin, where I was born, Ararat valley, I like just to walk and watch Ararat, it’s the greatest pleasure for me. I love fruits from the valley, especially apricot and cherry.
- What is your phone tune?
- We Are the Champions.
- Music you always listen to.
- Charles Aznavour, an amazing musician and person, I really want to meet him and talk to him. I like Serj Tankian, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston.
- What would you bring to an uninhabited island?
- Bible, my cross that I always wear, water. I believe I can get the rest on the spot.
- Which cartoon character would you be?
- Definitely a lion.
Photo: Mediamax
- Mihran, let’s finish these sentences. I cannot imagine my life without…
- Family.
- When I lose… …
- I feel like dying.
- Sport gave me…
- Mihran Harutyunyan.
Gohar Nalbandyan talked to Mihran Harutyunyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
The partner of the project 
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