Armenia will be participating in 8 categories during the Olympic Games. One of them is swimming; where Vahan Mkhitaryan has gained a Wild Card.
Mediamax Sport interviewed him below.
-You are one of the athletes that will leave to Rio in a number of days. How does it make you feel?
-I worked very hard and did everything to gain a quota place for the Olympics for the first time, but we couldn’t. In any case, I’m happy to participate in Rio. I have decided 5 years ago that I will take part in Rio Olympics and it’s now reality.
-What do you think an athlete needs to take part in the Olympics?
-You must be patient, know how to wait.
Photo: Mediamax
-Swimming is a beautiful and dynamic sport. How would you describe it?
-Everyone should know that swimming is the best sport.
-You are a free style swimmer. Can you tell us if it’s your main category?
-Yes, I have been a free stylist since I was young. I was always better in shorter distances.
-Let’s talk about Youth Olympics 2014. How was it special for you?
-It was the best tournament for me, honestly. I miss everything. The opening ceremony- August 16 happened to be on my birthday and I was selected as the flag carrier for our team. It was unbelievable.
-You have already been to Brazil and won Gymnasiade bronze medal. What did you like best about it?
-I loved the Brazilians. They are very hospitable warm and caring. Brazilian dances are very dynamic and beautiful. I learned some moves and a little Portuguese. Although I didn’t like their cuisine much.
-What do you mostly like about Olympics?
-That the best athletes representing different category have one goal.
-Where would you suggest Brazilians go in Armenia?
-They should definitely go to Lori and Artsakh. They should also visit the Genocide museum.
-I know swimmers need a lot of calories. What do you like to eat?
-I like meat and sweets, especially chocolate.
-How do you manage to get up that early in the morning for trainings?
-I fight with my alarm clock at 6:20. If I don’t sleep during afternoon, I won’t make it. I always rest after trainings and my day finishes very early. I’m the first to sleep at home- 22:30.
Vahan MkhitaryanPhoto: Mediamax
-How do you stay motivated?
-I set goals in front of myself and try to reach them.
-Who is an example for you in swimming?
-Alexander Popov. He could recover from injury and win the Olympics. It’s a great achievement.
-If you had USD 1 mln what will you spend it on?
-Acquiring the second million.
-Who do you think are the most famous Armenian athletes?
-Artur Aleksanyan, Arsen Julfalakyan, Albert Azaryan and Davit Hambardzumyan.
-What’s your favorite Armenian name?
-My sister’s name- Mariam.
Photo: Mediamax
-Tell me something that people don’t know about you
-I hate training. But then I brag that I trained a lot.
-Finish the sentences please. I often like...
-to sleep.
-The best thing I like about our hymn is...
-the music.
-Swimming firstly is...
-fun.
Hasmik Babayan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
The partner of the project 
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