This Olympics isn’t just about Simone Biles making waves as one of the oldest competitors! Davtyan Vahagn of Armenia is also making a mark as the oldest gymnast in the men’s events. Born on August 18, 1988, in Yerevan, Vahagn has had an impressive career. At 35, he’s a top gymnast on the Rings, a two-time European silver medalist, and a World Cup champion.

Davtyan Vahagn earned his spot at the Paris Olympics by clinching gold at the 16th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha on April 19. Now, as he showcases his skills in the men’s rings final on August 4, he scored 14.866. Currently leading the pack is Liu Yang of China with 15.300, followed by Zou Jingyuan of China with 15.233, Eleftherios Petrounias of Greece with 15.100, Samir Ait Said of France with 15.000, and Adem Asil of Turkiye with 14.966. While, Davtyan Vahagn is on 6th position. Now the question comes who is he?

Davtyan Vahagn’s elite gymnastics journey started in the 2010 European Championships. There he placed fourth on rings, and he continued to make strides with an eighth-place finish at the 2012 European Championships. In the 2014 European Championships, he made progress by finishing in place. Despite encountering obstacles during the 2011 World Championships and landing in place in the rings qualifications he did not make it to the round. However, his determination started yielding results.

Between 2015 and 2016 Davtyan’s performance noticeably improved. He achieved a fourth-place ranking on rings, at the Doha Challenge Cup and then at the 2015 European Championships. His standout moment occurred at the 2015 World Championships, where he advanced to his World final on rings and finished seventh. In 2016 Davtyan claimed silver at the Doha World Cup. He secured his European Championships medal, also a silver. However, it seemed like there was more to come during that time.

In 2022 Davtyan delivered performances, at World Cups in Cottbus, Doha, and Cairo. He clinched two gold medals and a silver earning him the title for the World Cup series on rings. Additionally, he achieved a fourth-place finish at the European Championships. Placed sixth at the World Championships. His consistent success led to a medal at the 2023 European Championships coming second to the reigning world champion Adem Asil and a fourth-place ranking at the 2023 World Championships. The question arises; what motivated him to pursue this sport?

Setting the bar high with the ‘Davtyan Cross’-Davtyan Vahagn

Vahagn Davtyan began practicing gymnastics at the age of six in Armenia in 1994. Watching his talent his parents enrolled him in classes and since then he has been making waves. He has consistently approached his competitions with dedication, viewing participation in events like the European Championships or the World Cup as essential, for acquiring experience. As he puts it, “Competing is important, and I am always serious about it. Taking part in any tournament is always a benefit.”

Davtyan not only excels, in gymnastics but also took on the responsibility of leading the Sports and Youth Affairs Department for Yerevan Municipality in September 2021. His primary focus in this position is to enhance the quality of sports schools ensuring they adhere to standards and foster athletic growth. His objective is to achieve performance, in his sport aiming for medals while balancing his training within the limits of his health.

Davtyan also had an impact, on gymnastics when he introduced the ‘Davtyan Cross’ at the 2014 World Cup in Doha. This fresh ring move has been approved by the International Gymnastics Federation. While he didn’t win gold in the rings at the Paris Olympics there’s optimism that he could stage a comeback, in next Olympic Games.