LONDON—Armenian athlete Arsen Galstyan secured Russia’s first Olympic gold in the 60-kilogram judo competition on July 28. It was also Russia first Olympic gold in judo since the break-up of the Soviet Union.
In the semi-final and final rounds, Galstyan defeated double world champion Rishod Sobirov (Uzbekistan) and Hiroaki Hiraoka (Japan), respectively.
Commentators deemed Galstyan’s victory a surprise, as he is ranked number five in the world.
He had won the bronze medal in the most recent judo world championships.
Galstyan was born in Armenia on Feb. 19, 1989. The 5’7’’ (170 cm) athlete is coached by Igor Romanov. He sometimes trains with his two brothers, Arman and Tigran.
“When I have nobody to train with, I [recruit] one of my brothers. It seems to me that my victories give them additional stimulation to train and win,” he told Judolinda.ru in an interview published last year.
Sometimes athletes represent countries that is not of their heritage or the country that they were born in, as this athlete was, here is an Armenian born in his mother country has no other national background, but had to be trained in Russia to archive his full potential, so, he had to represent Russia. Yes! I wished that he was trained in Armenia and represented and win the gold for his motherland!! But as an Armenian I am as proud and happy for him as if he represented Armenia.It seams to me that Russia had to go to Armenia to find them selves a winner. Arsen Galstyan is the pride of all Armenians.
Great comment, I totally agree!
Jan, lav asir aper
At the same weight category an Armenian competitor from Armenia defeated his azeri opponent. Idon’t know if Asbarez took notice. Asbarez should have a separate page for the olympics so we can keep up with all of the Armenian athletes.
Sad I could understand a Armenian,American but Russia?
Is Armenia so far away that he can’t compete for his Armenia?
Shame on him!
Shame on you.
when was the last time you competed in the Olympics ?
did you win a medal ?
you wouldn’t last 5 seconds on the mat with Arsen: you are in no position to lecture him.
Thank you Hrant Tashdjian, very well said, i think many of us wanted to express the same opinion as yours, very logic, Hope Armenia will take more initiative to bring forward more athletes like Arsen Galstyan who have the potential to be champions but lack of highly training in Armenia.
All Armenians are proud of arsen , as am I , let us keep the sportsmanship high always , for a small nation we have great potential, and here is one good example. Armenians have always excelled . We need to move along and will do just fine. Thank you arsen , you made my day!