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Yuriy VardanynArmenian athlete (weightlifting)
Date of Birth: 13.06.1956
Country:  Armenia |
Content:
Biography of Yuri Vardanyan
Early Life and CareerYuri Vardanyan, born on June 13, 1956, was an Armenian athlete and weightlifter. He excelled in the field of weightlifting and became a star in the sporting world.
Olympic Success
Vardanyan's shining moment came during the XXII Olympic Games held in Moscow. As expected, the main competition in the 82.5 kg weight category unfolded between Vardanyan from Leninakan and Blagoi Blagoev from Bulgaria. Both athletes held world records at different times, engaging in a fierce rivalry. However, in their face-to-face battle, Vardanyan's superiority proved unquestionable.
In the snatch, Blagoev repeated his own world achievement, lifting 175 kg. Vardanyan went even further. Lifting 177.5 kg, which was 15 kg above the Olympic record, he became a world record holder and the leader of the competition.
In the clean and jerk, Vardanyan faced not just a competitor, but also record-breaking weights. Blagoev stopped at 197.5 kg, while Vardanyan started with 215.5 kg, exceeding his own world record by half a kilogram. By lifting this weight, Yuri became an Olympic champion and a three-time world record holder, with a total of 392.5 kg. But he didn't stop there. In his third attempt, Vardanyan approached the barbell weighing 222.5 kg and effortlessly lifted it. Thus, Yuri Vardanyan became the first middleweight lifter in the world to surpass the coveted 400 kg threshold, exceeding the world record by 10 kg and the Olympic record by 35 kg.
Legacy and Recognition
Yuri Vardanyan's incredible achievements in weightlifting left a lasting impact on the sport. His exceptional performance and record-breaking lifts earned him the admiration and respect of his peers and fans worldwide. Even the President of the International Weightlifting Federation, Gotthard Schädle from Austria, known for his cautious judgments, expressed his astonishment and called Vardanyan's performance "fantastic."
Vardanyan's legacy as one of the greatest weightlifters of all time continues to inspire future generations of athletes. His dedication, skill, and remarkable accomplishments have cemented his name in the annals of weightlifting history.
