«LET ME SHARE A SECRET»

We met Togrul Asgarov during the New Year holidays. By this time the Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling was also announced the best athlete of Azerbaijan in 2012. While sharing his joy, the athlete of the year answered a number of our questions.  

- "Olympic champion Togrul Asgarov" - are you often introduced this way?

- (Laughs) Most often I am introduced this way when attending events where I participate. Not every athlete manages to become an Olympic champion. Probably it is for this reason that always only this title is announced.

- How would you introduce yourself?

- Never thought of this. Most likely I would just limit it to "Olympic champion". Because there is no title in sports higher than Olympic champion. But in essence introduction is not so important. 

- What did the London Olympics change in your life?

- I left for the British capital as an ordinary wrestler, but returned from there with the Olympic champion title. Olympics is the most difficult competition, where rivalry reaches the highest level. The majority of athletes are just participating in this tournament, but I became the champion. Still, I never tire of emphasizing that coaches and all those who supported me made a huge contribution to my victory.

- Now you are famous…

- The Olympic Games were broadcast on all channels and I become famous after winning it. I received invitations to many events and people began recognizing me on the streets. I treat this normally. I just should not forgot that from now on everybody will only expect victories from me. 

- Heightened attention to Olympic champions is natural…

- I do not visit entertainment shows. I am an athlete and therefore I spend most of the day training. After the Olympics I rested for several months. I was too exhausted. Now I commenced training as I need to lay the foundation for future victories.

- What else will you remember the year 2012 for?

- This year was full of victories for me. I became the European champion and then won the gold medal in the Olympics in London. But I am not going to stop at this. In the new year I will target new victories. 

- What are the expectations related to 2013?

- This year there will be first the championship of Europe and then the world cup. I want to win them. Over my sports career I have not become a world champion. I wish to become the world champion among adults. This is my main goal for 2013.

- How do you spend your spare time?

- Let me share a secret. I often play basketball and football. I receive most pleasure from football. I like kicking the ball. I do not stop even when I am very tired. I play football most often when I am back home in Ganca.

- Are you a good footballer?

- Friends tell me that I had to become a footballer. I think that I play rather well. Of course, I lag far behind professionals, but still…

- What do you think, if you were a footballer could you achieve the same level of success as in wrestling?

- Difficult question. Wrestling is more developed here. But anything might happen. If I were a footballer, I would try playing abroad. Big success can come if you play abroad. If I did not become a wrestler, I would become a footballer. But my destiny was different. 

- We are not really successful in football. You must have heard of this.

- Our football should not be compared with Olympic sports. In the national championship I am the fan of my local Kapaz. I try to watch all European League matches when our clubs play. 

- Often Olympic champions fail to build on their success. As if they were affected by an "evil eye"… 

- I know what you are talking about. I constantly work over myself because so are my rivals. While in London they were facing a European champion, now they will try to defeat an Olympic champion. I remember this. Being an Olympic champion is a big responsibility. I would like to keep this title as long as possible.

- Following the victory in London your mother said that prior to your departure you promised your grandfather to return with a gold medal. Were you really that much confident?

- Indeed, I promised. From childhood I spent a lot of time with grandfather. He and my grandmother deserve much credit for my victory. When I won a silver medal in the world cup my grandfather said that he wishes that I receive a licence for the Olympic Games and return from them with a victory. I replied then that Besik Kudukhov is my strongest rival. In order to encourage me my grandfather said that I was stronger. Before leaving for London I asked him what to bring as a present and he asked for a gold medal. I am happy that I could deliver on the promise.

- It is interesting that the man you faced in the final was Besik Kudukhov…

- Before that match I recalled grandfather's words that I am stronger. On the other hand, our country did not have a single gold medal then. I wanted very much to win gold. The last days were near and I had a huge responsibility. I was under tremendous psychological pressure as I had to win a gold medal no matter what. As you know, my rival was a difficult one - a four-time world champion. But God willing I achieved what I desired. I believed in my strength and entered the final clash only for the sake of victory. Luck was on my side.

- Sometimes arrogance grows after the Olympics. At least, many athletes have experienced this…

- On the contrary, I will prepare even better to perform more successfully. I will seek to become a double Olympic champion. This title stimulates me.

- 2013 is the year of Snake. We would like to know your wishes for this year…

- The year of Dragon was successful for both our sport and the country overall. I wish that the coming year bring us new successes and increase the number of our victories.