Armenian Weightlifter Wins Gold at Youth Olympics

NANJING, China—An Armenian weightlifter won gold on Thursday in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

Hakob Mkrtchyan, 17, earned the first place prize after a brilliant performance in the 77 kg (170 lb) weight class. His result was 319 kg (703 lb).

This was Armenia’s second medal at the competition. Shooting sport athlete Hrachik Babayan won silver on Wednesday.

Mkrtchyan, who earlier said he came to Nanjing to claim gold, was true to his word. He admitted he was not intimidated by his competitors’ attempts to outperform him.

Mkrtchyan’s award is Armenia’s first ever gold medal in a youth Olympic championship.