YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian weightlifting school has always had its unique place in the International arena. And now, the young generation is continuing the senior generation’s work in honorably representing Armenia in international championships, tournaments and the Olympic Games. During 2016, Armenia’s Simon Martirosyan conquered bronze at the European Championship, gold at the World Youth Championship, silver at the Olympic Games, gold at the European Youth Championship, and all of this when he is still 19 years old.

Martirosyan told ARMENPRESS about the Olympic Games and 2016 in general.

-          During 2016, you conquered numerous medals in European and World Championships, and won silver in the Olympic Games. Is this all an achievement of diligence or talent?

-          In my opinion, an athlete has to have a little bit of talent from the beginning, but diligence is a must. Coaches have a big role too, who have a big contribution in the success of an athlete.

-          The most expected event of the year was the Olympic Games in Rio. Now, when it’s all history, what is it you remember most from that Games?

-          Earlier, in an interview with you months prior to the Games, I said the most important thing for me is to pass that road with honor, and now I can say that it was possible to represent our country honorably in the Olympics. There aren’t any insurmountable opponents. The athlete from Uzbekistan was a little stronger, this time I couldn’t defeat him, but only this time. Overall, I don’t think about my opponents, I think about myself and the barbell.

-          The IOC’s decision of doping re-testing is being criticized and discussed throughout the world and in Armenia. Do you find it correct to launch re-testing after 8 years?

-          Perhaps by this step the IOC tries to say it’s not worth doing such things, because you see we can take similar actions and demand your medals to be withdrawn. I think similar actions are wrong, but it’s a very beneficial step for the future.

-          Wouldn’t we face such a fact years later?

-          People say it’s impossible to lift such weights without any substances. Now I will surely say, let them believe or not – this team of Armenia is a “clean” team. We can confidently go to the next Olympics.

-          And where are you gonna spend the New Year holidays?

-          At home, with my family.