OMAROV Artur

General
CONSIDERING MMA
He says he has thought about competing in mixed martial arts [MMA]. He has worked at the gym run by Czech MMA fighter Andre Reinders and helped to train other fighters. "I've been thinking about it, we've considered it and even discussed it. But for me, the Olympics come first. It's my dream and a medal from this event would be something unreal for me. When I'm done with the Olympics, it's possible that my career goes in that direction, but for now I have only Greco-Roman competition in my head. I think that Greco-Roman wrestling is the best training for MMA fighters. In wrestling, strength, technique, fitness and mental endurance are as important as they are in the octagon." (sport.tn.nova.cz, 13 May 2021; kaocko.cz, 31 Jul 2020)

RETIREMENT THOUGHTS
He said he considered quitting Greco-Roman wrestling after failing to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, before choosing to remain in the sport and moving up to the 97kg weight category. "Originally, I wanted to end it after the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where I didn't qualify and I was incredibly disappointed and frustrated, but my wife convinced me not to. I said to myself that I would try to weigh it up to 97 kilograms. The coaches told me there would be less chance of making that work, but I was looking forward to being mentally comfortable, and I thought I could win the Olympics at this weight." (sport.tn.nova.cz, 13 May 2021; sport.cz, 13 May 2021)

FROM DAGESTAN TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
He was born in Dagestan in the Russian Federation and moved to the Czech Republic with his mother at age five. "I am very proud to represent the Czech Republic. As a child, it was very difficult for me and my mother and I'm glad it's over. I don't have fond memories, but sport and the goals I wanted to achieve helped me a lot." (kaocko.cz, 31 Jul 2020; czech-wrestling.cz, 20 May 2020)