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Legendary Armenian gymnast Albert Azaryan has devoted his entire life to reach the “unreachable”, and in spite of the fact that he will turn 88 years old on 11 February of the coming year he continues following the famous saying “Healthy body, healthy spirit” and cannot imagine a day of his life without his favorite sport.

The interview conducted by Panorama.am with Albert Azaryan was more than interesting. The legendary athlete not only shared his memories and told stories of his life but also commented on each photo in a unique way. He was presenting in detail all his achievements and the stores of each won cup and medal. And they are numerous. It is enough to mention Azaryan has taken part in competitions held in 49 countries winning 45 gold, 42 silver and 10 bronze medals.

“In the beginning I was engaged in wrestling and weightlifting, as there was no gymnastics school in Kirovakan where we had moved to in 1939. Together with the boys of our neighborhood I practiced those sport types. I even received an offer to continue my activities in the weightlifting, however I argued that I had a thin back and did not want to engage in it.

Later we moved to Yerevan and in 1948 I entered Physical Education College of Armenia. During the period of my studies I began to practice gymnastics. I was physically strong as I had been a blacksmith’s student before. I clearly performed all the tasks of my trainer. In 1951 I was awarded with the title of Master of Sport of the USSR, and one year later I became a champion of the Soviet Union due to my tricks on the rings,” Azaryan told.

During the collage years a very important event occurred in Azaryan’s life. Young Azaryan who was the dream of many girls, fell in love with 19-year-old Elizaveta who moved to Yerevan from Georgia. Azaryan even remembers the girls being jealous that he had chosen Lisa.

“Everyone was running after him and he_ after me,” Mrs. Lisa says with a smile on her face. The couple has lived together for 63 years already.

Girls were jealous of Azaryan and he was jealous of his beloved and due to that jealousy he found himself in funny situations for a few times.

“Once we went for shopping and suddenly I noticed a boy gazing us. I was angry that he looked at Liza so carefully, however he noted that he was looking at me not Lisa, as he had recognized me,” Azaryan said.

During the gymnastics competitions held in Leningrad in 1953 Albert Azaryan carried out his most famous trick on the rings called “Azarian Cross.” The exercise could almost lead him to be disqualified, however later the same tick paved him a way to the USSR team.

The memories of the legendary Armenian gymnast took us to all the cities where he had taken part in different competitions and won numerous medals. The road from the international competitions held in China up to World, European and Olympic champions has not been easy but possible to overcome. 1956 for the first time the athlete participated in the Olympic Games held in Melbourne where he won 2 gold medals. He managed to repeat the same success 4 years later in Rome Olympics becoming the only Armenian athlete who has managed to win the Olympic gold for three times.

Albert Azaryan finished his career in 1964, however he continues his activities in the major sport. Despite the numerous offers received from abroad the athlete has preferred to stay in Armenia and to develop and spread his sport here.

Azeryan couple has four children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Only their son Edward has pursued the profession of his parents becoming an Olympic champion in Moscow in 1980.

The New Year is coming and the couple is getting ready for the holidays as usual. They celebrate the New Year together at home, as they do not like paying visits on that day. And the next day they welcome their guests and grandchildren.
In spite of all the better conditions of abroad Albert Azaryan loves Armenia, his people and even at his age he is ready to do his best in order to uphold the honor of his nation.

“The thing is I love Armenia very much and I respect my nation. I have lived here throughout my whole life and do not want to go anywhere else. I want to stay here and to uphold the name of the Armenian nation. Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to everyone….”