Ruben Alexanyan: I get motivated by good people and positive atmosphere

Ruben Aleksanyan will participate in the Olympic Games in heavyweight category. Mediamax Sport presents the incredibly kind and smiley weighlifterthis time within Rio- 216.

-Ruben, there isn’t much time left before the games: What expectations do you have?

-I have a lot of expectations: I will strive for the best, although the Olympic Games are always surprising.

-What do you think one needs to be prepared for the Olympics?

-The Olympics is different than any other competitions. You have to be double, triple as attentive.

-Why do the Games take place once every 4 years?

-If they were more frequent, the interest towards it would go low: 6 years is too much. I think 4 years is the optimal time

- What were the most unique Olympic Games for you?

- The Olympic Games in 2000, especially heavyweight category competition. I haven’t seen any competition like that in my life.
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-What similarities do Armenians and Brazilians have?

-Both have darker skin.

-Can you tell me 3 things that are specific to Rio?

-Carnaval, the statue of Jesus and hosting the Olympics for the first time.

-Who’s success motivated you the most?

-Yuri Vardanyan has been my motivation since childhood. I have always admired his accomplishments. I was also motivated by Anatoly Pisarenko.

-Ruben, who are you friends with the most (from weightlifters)?

-Tigran Martirosyan. He has helped me in anything: he is more than a friend to me, he’s like my brother.

-How do you keep motivated?

-By positive environment and good people

 -Is there a word that you use often?

- Yes, its “ha jan” (yes dear)

-What type of sportsman are you?

-I’m very dedicated to what I do. I have gone through so many injuries that would make any sportsman leave weightlifting. I have tried to overcome difficulties as well as I can.

-What are your favorite books that taught u a lot?

- You have a lot to learn from any book, you just need to read more.

-What question would you like the journalists to ask you?

-I would prefer them not to ask questions (laughs).

-What is your favorite place in Armenia?

-I like looking at Yerevan from Cascade height. It seems like the whole city is in your palm.
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-If you had a time machine, where and when would you like to go?

-Let everyone live in his/her time.

-How do you like to relax after competition?

-By not training for 4-5 days, being with friends and family and not thinking about weightlifting.

-Who do you think you look alike from cartoon characters?

-I doubt there are fat characters with beard in cartoons (laughs out loudly).

-Let’s make sentences together, I will start and you can continue. The first think I will do in Rio...

-will strive to the best.

-You realize with years...

-that you have to live your life so that you don’t have any regrets both in sports and in your life.

 -The most interesting thing in weightlifting is...

-that you are struggling against yourself and the weight.

Hasmik Babayan talked to Ruben Aleksanyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan

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