I.I.: Vazgen, tell us about yourself, how you came to the United States and how you linked your life with armwrestling?

V.S.: I came to the US in 2006 for personal reasons. A few days later I won the tournament in Los Angeles and decided to live for a while in this city, try my talents in the sport. The US government almost immediately issued me the documents on the Extra Ordinary Ability People program. Now - I'm an American citizen. I started in armwrestling in 1997, won the tournament in Yerevan, fell in love with this sport. Then I became a professional and do it until now! Armwrestling - this is my way of life!

I.I.: You took part the Professional Armwrestling World Cup. Which opponents and what matches were the most memorable?

V.S.: I have participated in the World and European championships for many times and I have a great experience. All fights for me were difficult and easy at the same time. I can get pleasure from the fight and become friends for life with all my opponents. In sport, you have to be professional and in life remain friends - that's the key to success. My opponents / friends greet me warmly, wherever I go! At the airports I’m always being met by escorts of friends’ cars!

I.I.: What is your marital status? Does your family support you at armwrestling tournaments?

V.S.: So far - I am a bachelor, but I think it's time to start a family! I am looking for the princess of my dreams with whom we will get married and give birth to children! I think that will find her soon or she will find me! And my family - my mother, brothers, always support me in the sport! Brother always calls from Armenia and tells how the watched me on the TV news. I am sure that my father is somewhere in heaven watching over me and proud of my success!

I.I.: What are the basic exercises needed to succeed at the table?

V.S.: I like the idea that armwrestler should be widely developed and balanced.

My approach - you should be able to EVERYTHING! Train for 100%: technique, strength, endurance, speed and philosophy of struggle should be in ballance!

I.I.: Will your meeting with Chris Gobbi be dramatic or you plan an easy victory?

V.S.: I do not think that this meeting will be dramatic, but not too easy. He is a very strong athlete, and can be very dangerous. I know his style very well, Canadian school, and I will analyze his strengths and weaknesses before the fight. I go to Vegas in great shape and will try to be much stronger than him. And the rest of my qualities will help me to finish the match successfully. I will not disclose my strategy, but it will be in the textbooks! It will be a great pleasure to fight with Chris!

I.I.: US champion - it's hard to win the National championship?

V.S.: It depends. For me it was always without problems. I try hard in the gym! This year there were 2 tournaments before the National Championship of the United States, many took part in them, and then could not take part in the championship. Very important is that the championship had a drug test, many people did not dare to go not to be disqualified. I went, won, the results showed that I was clean. The rest is not my problem.

I.I.: Do people they in your historical homeland know about your successes and do you feel the support of the Armenian diaspora?

V.S.: Yes, of course, they know! Always write the show and in the news! Diaspora in the United States is always with me! They come to my tournaments and support. Here many people know me in the face. I go to the store, they ask me about my successes. Once the sheriff stopped my car and saw me, and we talked not about the driving rules but me and the sport. Just had a chat. Every year I’m being awarded as Best Armenian Athlete - this is very nice.

I.I.: What are your forecast of fight of Tim Bresnan and Eugene Prudnyk?

V.S.: I think the first two matches will be 50/50. Then Tim can quickly get tired - age. But in general - Prudnik will win. He is at the peak of power and this fact will play its role.

Ilya Izman