Olympic champion of Rio-2016, three-time world champion and four-time European champion, Greco-Roman wrestler Artur Aleksanyan (97kg) reviewed the ending year in an interview with the news agency of the Armenian National Olympic Committee, talking about his achievements, injury and becoming a UNICEF Ambassador.
“Artur, how was the ending year for you?”
“The year started well. I participated in a highly competitive tournament in Kazakhstan, winning it. Later, I had a successful run in the European games. I was in a good form, which allowed me to become champion. I participated in the World Championship still in a good form. My main objective was obtaining a ticket to the Olympics. First matches went well, but I injured by hipbone in the third match and continued until the final with the injury, though I wasn’t able to participate in the last match. If not for the injury, I could have won the fourth gold medal in the World Championship."
“Nonetheless, you wanted to fight until the last minute.”
“Yes, I wanted and was ready to fight until the last moment but I was not allowed, as a broken hipbone can hurt other organs and cause more serious problems.”
“How do you feel now?”
“I feel well, I have started working on the rug, while until now I had only physical trainings. I am preparing for the international tournament, which will take place in January.”
“The European Championship will take place in February. Will we see you there?”
“I want to participate, but it will become clear after the international tournament in January. If old injuries don’t make themselves known, I will participate.”
“You became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador this year. How did that happen?”
“I received the offer and accepted it immediately. It is a great honor to be a Goodwill Ambassador for that organization.”
“Will you be able to return to your best form by the Olympic Games in Tokyo?”
“My main objective is winning the second Olympic gold, but before that it is important not to get injured, and I am sure that everything will be well.”
“Many believe that one of your main rivals, Musa Evloev is in a better form.”
“Yes, he is a good wrestler and he is in a good form, but I don’t feel bad either. In the World Championship, we saw who I beat on the way to the final and who he beat. I hope I will fight him in the Olympic Games, and many questions will be answered.”
