Yuri Naraivovich Vardanyan is a Soviet weightlifter, his name remains not only in the pages of history, but also in the hearts of people. He fell in love with the bar when he found out how heavy it was, and he often fought not with his rival, but with himself. His character combines two strong-willed traits: hard work and perseverance, he did not let his people down. He became the idol of many, he is a vivid example for all athletes.
Sports career
Yuri Vardanyan was born in Leninakan on July 13, 1956. From an early age, his uncle, Sergey Vardanyan, coached the future champion in his gym.
He is an economist and teacher of physical education. It would seem, nothing outstanding, no special prospects. The result - conquered the entire athletic athletic world.
Even in the army, all colleagues were surprised how such a small Yuri Vardanyan, whose height is only 1.71 m, could handle the bar so cleverly. Through perseverance and work, he earned the world title in 1975-1976. A year later, he entered the national team of the SRSR.
After winning the Thessaloniki, Yuri Vardanyan confirmed his right to be in the team at the Olympics in Moscow. The Olympic Games were first to be held in the capital. No one was surprised that he got a victory here too. He has 43 world records.
His only main opponent was Blagoy Blagoev. They competed for many years, until he went into a more difficult category, most likely to no longer meet in the same arena with Vardanyan.
Ending a sports career
Unfortunately, but the success of “Moscow-80” was never repeated. The following Olympic Games (Los Angeles-84) he lost. Since there was pressure from Romania, he defeated Petra Becker. This defeat undermined the spirit of Yuri. Loss of motivation - instead of a thousand words. You can only imagine how the weightlifter felt. In sports, he lasted another season. Having won the seventh world championship, Yuri Vardanyan leaves the sports arena undefeated.
Political career
Before the collapse of the SRSR, the former athlete was a deputy in his native country - Armenia. Relocation to the USA took place in 1991. There he was engaged in the upbringing of his son Noraira, who followed in the footsteps of his father. He participated in the 2012 Olympics, which was held in London. Cooked by his father. Constantly thinking about his homeland, Yuri Vardanyan returned to Armenia in 2009. Now he is the Ambassador of Armenia to Georgia.
Black line
In 2010, Yuri Vardanyan, whose biography was full of sports achievements, had an accident. Here he received a serious injury and was commissioned.
2011 - the famous weightlifter is in a coma. This happened because the metal rod that was inserted into his thigh broke. A very complicated operation was performed, as a result of which he had heart problems. Therefore, the second operation had to be postponed. For a long time, Yuri was in serious condition. But thanks to intensive care, his condition was still stabilized, and the second part of the operation was carried out successfully. A few months later, Vardanyan returned to his former life.
2013 - the son of a weightlifter was arrested in Iran. He is suspected of transporting drugs. To avoid the tragic consequences, he is returned to his homeland, since the death penalty is provided for such a crime in Iran. Yuri Narayvovich, the current Armenian-Iranian conflict refuses to comment. He does not answer the phone and tries to avoid reporters.
This is not the first case in Armenia with the children of wealthy officials. Many leave their posts, but in spite of everything, Yurik Vardanyan continues to be at the top of power.
And although the rod has not been in his hand for a long time, he has done enough for the history of world sports.