Edmond Armen Nazaryan is a Bulgarian Greco-Roman wrestler and the son of two-time Olympic champion Armen Nazaryan. The 19-year-old wrestler has competed in many events and has numerous achievements to his name. He is a two-time European cadet champion, a silver and bronze medalist at the World Cadet Championships, took third place at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, and has won many national titles. By comparison, his legendary father won his first European gold at the age of 20.
In the following interview, you can get up to date on the latest news and facts about Edmond Nazaryan.
1. How are you? How is your injury recovery going?
– Hello, thank you. I’m feeling better than I was before, and I’ve now started lighter training sessions, which I’ll gradually increase.
2. You’re missing the European Championships. What will be your main challenges this year?
– Yes, I had to miss the European Championships because of an injury, but I still have plenty of challenges this year: many international tournaments, as well as the European and World Junior Championships. If I manage to make a full recovery, I may also compete in the qualifying tournament for the 2021 Olympic Games.
3. How does your father motivate you? Is it easy to be the son and competitor of such a great champion?
– I’d say it’s more difficult than easy, because he expects much more from me than I can manage. He expects more from me than he did from himself, and that really weighs on me. But his advice, his many years of experience, and his support help me a lot in wrestling.
4. Are you worried about being compared to him?
– I’m used to being compared to him now, and it doesn’t bother me. People should know that I have a very long and difficult road ahead of me to achieve what he has, because he is a proven legend!
5. Do you need to lose weight before a competition? How do you manage it, and what’s your secret to controlling your weight?
– Yes, I do, because when I lose weight I feel better, faster, sharper and better prepared—but I also have to be careful not to overdo it. The secret is sticking to a nutrition and training routine.
6. Do you have any favorite exercises in training? What do you enjoy doing most?
– I have many favorite exercises, but in wrestling I especially enjoy trying out holds. Every hold I manage to execute in a competition gives me great satisfaction, because it adds beauty and excitement to our sport!
7. What’s the hardest part of your sport? Tell us about your biggest challenge.
– In professional sports, you need a resilient mindset. For example, it’s very difficult to stay consistent and give up the things you want—but you do it all for your goals and dreams, and it’s worth it! My biggest ambition is to win Olympic gold.
8. How do you relax, and what inspires you outside of training?
– Rest should be active, too. I like spending more time with my family or friends. When I have more time to unwind, I enjoy traveling to different cities or countries.