Five-time champion of Europe, seven-time champion of the world, Olympic Games winner, renowned Armenian weightlifter Yuri Vardanyan has passed away aged 62 in the U.S.

A source in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Armenia has shared the sad news with Mediamax Sport. The involved parties are now considering moving the body of the legendary athlete to Armenia.



Yuri Vardanyan beat 5 records at a time at three occasions in his career, including the Olympics when he lifted the record 405kg.



In 2013-2013, Vardanyan served as the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, later taking the position of Armenian Ambassador to Georgia. He was awarded a number of medals, including Order of the Red Banner of Labor and Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots.