Armenia Dominates 2024 European Weightlifting Championships with Record-Breaking Performance

Armenian weightlifters win big at the 2024 European Weightlifting Championships, asserting their dominance as the strongest country in Europe. The team secured a remarkable total of 10 medals, tying with Bulgaria for the most gold medals (4) and surpassing all competitors to claim the highest overall medal count.

The victorious weightlifters returned to Zvartnots International Airport at 4 am local time on Thursday, where they were warmly greeted by supporters and The Armenian Report. Gold medalist Varazdat Lalayan expressed gratitude for the heartfelt welcome, reflecting the pride and joy of the entire team.

Among the returning athletes was Hripsime Khurshudyan, who had hinted at retirement at the age of 36. Despite contemplating stepping away from the sport, she clinched a bronze medal. Khurshudyan's emotional reunion with her two young children and family added a touching moment to the celebration.

Armenia's dominance extended beyond the traditional medal count, leading in the category of "small medals" with an impressive tally of 11 golds and 26 total medals.

Here are the outstanding Armenian medalists who contributed to this historic victory:

🥇 Gor Sahakyan (67 kg)

🥇 Hakob Mkrtchyan (96 kg)

🥇 Varazdat Lalayan (+109 kg)

🥇 Aleksandra Grigoryan (Women’s 55 kg)

🥈 Davit Hovhannisyan (96 kg)

🥈 Samvel Gasparyan (102 kg)

🥈 Simon Martirosyan (+109 kg)

🥉 Rafik Harutyunyan (81 kg)

🥉 Garik Karapetyan (102 kg)

🥉 Hripsime Khurshudyan (Women’s 87 kg)

Armenia's remarkable performance not only solidifies its position as a powerhouse in European weightlifting but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a testament to the nation's dedication to excellence in sports.