Rio 2016 Olympics silver medalist Simon Martirosyan (109 kg) told about his impressions after being crowed European champion at the European Weightlifting Championship ending in Batumi, Georgia.

The current world champion had registered a total of 427 kg (192+235) result and exceeded by 16 kg the second place holder, Belarusian Andrei Aramnau.

“Before the European Championship my wrist injury disturbed me but during the competition everything went well and I felt no pain. Maybe, the adrenaline and determination made it vanish. The higher weights we have left for the World Championship. We have to train more. After winning the World Championship European champion title shouldn’t be underestimated as everything has its place. I can’t describe my feelings. I have to keep on working. As for the rivalry I’d say the victory was given to me easily. You all saw I could have missed the second attempt of the clean and jerk. But I did it to show my opponents that I would outdo them anyway and they couldn’t win me. Definitely, this victory belongs to all Armenians, to people you have any contribution; my parents, coaches and Mr. Gagik Tsarukyan. I congratulate all the fans and say to wait for new wins. The fans’ support in the hall encourages much,” noted Simon Martirosyan.

Simon Martirosyan had also won gold medals in the snatch and clean and jerk. He had won the champion title with a total of 435 kg (195+240) and had set a world record at the World Championship of last year in the capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashkhabad.

This was Armenia’s 4th medal in the combined event of the European Championship.

On April 13, Armenia’s Samvel Gasparyan (102 kg) had become a European silver medalist. Earlier, Hakob Mkrtchyan at 89kg had become European champion and David Hovhannisyan had won European bronze.

On the last day of the European Championship the struggle will be continued by Arpine Dalalayan (+87 kg), world champion, Olympic silver medalist Simon Martirosyan (109 kg), Olympic silver medalist Gor Minasyan and Ruben Aleksanyan (+109 kg).