I know Arsen since I was a student. I covered the Olympic Games in Beijing and London, where he participated. Now it is Rio’s turn.
Arsen is one of those sportsmen you can have long conversations with on various subjects. Mediamax Sport presents one of our most titled athletes in Rio-2016 series.
- Arsen, why do you think the Olympic Games were founded?
- I think that the Olympic Games are the best competition. I read about Olympic champions when I was a boy, and I dreamed about becoming one myself. Unfortunately, the main ideology of the Games from the times of their foundation works no more. A war broke out between Russia and Georgia right on the day of the Games’ opening in 2008, and fire continues in other hotspots.
- That’s what my next question is about. The main goal of the Olympic Games was to bring people together so that they would only “fight” in sports. It is different nowadays. What is the problem?
- History shows that a lot depends on individuals. There are people with low moral values. Those who start wars don’t have human values, or love and compassion for their own soldiers. I think it’s impossible to stop such people. This is a big game, where IOC or sports have no particular levers to use.
Photo: Mediamax
- You’re an international relations specialist, and you understand politics. Sports isn’t politics. Is there such a concept?
- No, definitely not now, probably not ever before. We don’t have to look far back, the boycotts of the Olympic Games in 1980 and 1984 were of political nature exactly. A shining example today is FIFA, a certain country conducting investigation and prosecuting the leaders of this organizations. I know it’s a utopia, but I wish there was complete equality in sports.
- Well, let’s talk about you. This is your 3rd Olympiad. How do you prepare for it?
- Everything is fine. I train, get ready. I do what I can, and time will show what comes next. I hope I’ll have my moment in Rio and win a medal.
- What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
- I decided to go to university when I was in the 9th grade. My father said I was chasing two targets and would miss both, that I had to choose either sports or education. I felt extremely satisfied when I proved that it’s possible to have both and do well in both.
Photo: Mediamax
- Name three things people don’t know about you.
- I’m tactful and emotional, I often go to see opera and ballet, and I have a sweet tooth.
- Is there a historical character whose deeds you admire?
- Nelson Mandela, whose ideas I’m going to study very seriously, and the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew I already learned about. They were the people who not only changed their countries but became examples for the entire humankind as well.
- Why are you going to Rio?
- To win a gold medal.
- What do you think Brazil is like?
- I’ve never been there, but I always felt attracted to that country. You know, I was often asked in other countries if I were Brazilian. I don’t know why, but I really like Brazil and Latin America in general.
Photo: Mediamax
- Why do Brazilians speak Portuguese?
- Because Brazil used to be Portugal’s colony.
-Finish the sentences. If I were Brazilian…
- I would live near the beach, do surfing, fishing. I’d read, dance samba and rumba, and drink rum.
- Wrestling gave me…
- Ability to work hard, strength to fight, skills to organize my day, respect, a concept of team.
- My greatest achievement or treasure is…
- My family. Then my friends and acquaintances.
Gohar Nalbandyan talked to Arsen Julfalakyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
The partner of the project 
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