Arsen Dzhulfalakian: “How can you win Olympic gold thanks to good contacts?!”

Interview by Vadim Mkrtchian, Yerevan. Exclusively to VK

The best result at the Olympic Games in London was shown by Greco-Roman wrestler, Arsen Dzhulfalakian, among Armenian athletes, who became a silver medal winner in the 74 kg category.

-          Arsen, at first you didn’t hide that you were disappointed with the defeat in the final and were not happy with silver. How do you feel now?

-          Initially emotions prevailed. It was sad, because I was one step away from Olympic gold. Ahead of the Games I set myself up for victory, I worked hard and refused many things in for it. Olympic victory demands the maximum and each medal means hard labor and years of training. However, when you analyze the past path in “a sober way”, you see that any medal is honorable. Many prominent athletes didn’t have Olympic medals, while you have. And then satisfaction comes to your heart.

-          Was it difficult to wrestle after several failures of Armenian power-lifters?

-          At that moment I was in Yerevan and saw the reaction of fans. People came to me on streets and said: “Please come through, at least you.” Their disappointment is understandable, even though it is sport, everything can happen. Anyway in this difficult situation additional responsibility fell on me. I realized I had no right for a defeat. When I got into the final, I said that now other Armenian athletes would win too. And then it appeared Ripsime Khurshudian gained the bronze medal.

-          How did the motherland welcome you?

-           Very warmly. A ceremonial receive was organized in the airport. Everybody recognizes me on the streets, expresses gratitude, asks to take a picture with me. I should say it is pleasant when your work is appreciated.

-          Do you expect to be the Olympic champion next time?

-          Of course I do! I’m 25 year old and I will have at least one more Olympics in 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. Moreover, I have another motivation to be the Olympic gold winner. In London a BBC journalist told me that the history of the Olympic Games since 1896 has seen no wins of father and son in combat sports. My father gained his Olympic gold in 1988 in Seoul. Now it is my turn.

-          Does the fact that your prominent father is your coach disturb you or help?

-          It disturbs me, but not in a sporting way. Famous people often have enviers and haters. Despite numerous medals which belong to few people in Armenia, sometimes I hear that Dzhulfalakian promotes his son to the national team. I don’t know how one can win silver Olympic medal by wangling! My response is my victories. I carry great responsibility for not shaming my father’s name.

-          How do you manage to combine sport and study?

-          I was the best pupil in school since preliminary school. I graduated the International Relations Department in Yerevan State University with diploma with honors, then I became Magister with honors and now I’m studying to be the candidate to PhD. Of course it is difficult to combine such different things. I’m disciplined since childhood. I didn’t rest when my sport-mates did. And I managed to gain success in both spheres. I believe every person should strive for being educated.

-          Have you decided what to do after the end of the sporting career?

-          I’m sure I won’t go in for coach work. I will use my degree, as I have spent a lot of time and forces to become a diplomat.

-          Do you have a girlfriend?

-          I have girlfriend and we are engaged. Her name is Ermine, she is studying in university. We have known each other for several years. This year we plan to marry.

-          Does she understand your sporting choice?

-          Ermine wants sport to be a top priority for me. I understand that it is a rule for any professional athlete, but not every girl would agree to this. That is why it is difficult to find your soulmate. Her way of thinking was an important factor which determined by choice.