Gyumri's Strongman Sets New Record

With his body lying flat on the ground, feet secured, knees slightly bent, and back elevated, Alexander Kirakosyan pushed two 16 kg stones upwards 250 times in just 10 minutes. This was the first record he set today. After a 20-minute break, he established a second record, pushing upwards 311 times in a similar position for another 10 minutes.

Kirakosyan is the director of the Gyumri Complex Children and Youth Sports School, and setting records within his familiar surroundings was particularly significant for him. In an interview with Sputnik Armenia, the athlete emphasized that it was a matter of honor. “It speaks to the Armenian spirit; moreover, it serves as a great example to motivate the students,” Kirakosyan said, struggling to remember which number record this was for him. “Honestly, I can’t say, it’s probably the 13th, most of them are recorded in the ‘Strongmen’s Book.’”

This time, the 62-year-old athlete dedicated his records to the students of the Gyumri Complex Children and Youth Sports School who perished in the 44-day war for the homeland.

Additionally, on the same day and platform was his student, Varazdat Tovmasyan, who lifted a 32 kg stone 47 times in one minute with one hand. After a break, Varazdat also lifted a 50 kg stone 8 times in 35 seconds. The strongmen promise that this is not the end—new records are yet to come.