Interview with the Armenian

Whenever I go on a lifting trip- as part of Team USA or Risto Sports-- I aim to soak up as much new information as possible.

One curiosity in the wieghtlifitng world is the sucess of Armenia. Armenia is a small country with a population of about 3.2 million people. Still, they regularly have female and male World and European Champions.

Aside from an effective training system, what can stimulate such success? Massive per capita participation in lifting? Incentivization?

I would argue incentivization and athlete support:
The below are paraphrased excerpts from a dialogue with an Armenian lifter at the world Univ champs

Question : About how many lifters are in Armenia?
Paraphrased Answer:- About 50 men [competitive, with goals to make national team], and about 8 women. All of our women are World Champions. Even though we are a small country, we produce many champions.

Are there any rewards for winning Championships?
- Yes. Last year, our world champion received $50,000* and a flat. For winning European Championships, about $3000* [*Note, not indicated if this is US dollars Equivalent or local currency]

Does the national team train together at a training Center?
-No, we train by our homes.
What about for training camps?
-Yes, for a few weeks at a time, a few times a year.
Do the female lifters train with the male lifters?
-No, separate camp.

What do you study at the Univeristy?
- I study Physical culture [similar to sports science, applying scientific method to sports]

Do you work while going to school?
- No, how can I work? I would have no time to train. I need to train. [For those who know me, No, I did not point out that I mad emy national team while working, training, going to MIT, and taking care of my family.]

What are some good weightlifting sites?
-www.titanos.net

Reflections:
I would surmise that my new buddy did not have to pay his trip to the World Univeristy Championships like the USA team did.

Perhaps, the real incentive is the good odds that an Armenian lifter can become a Champion, see the world, and be given a house and salary. Really, if you're only up against 50 other men or 8 other women to get a spot on a team that wins alot-- those are crazy good odds. Better odds than winning fame and fortune through American Idol, or the lottery in the USA. Not to mention the positive reinforcement of federation help along the way and seeing your colleagues win mendal is a powerful thing.