Ara made his international debut for Sweden in 1994 at a competition held in Turkey. He is right-handed and has earned significant accolades over his career. His most memorable achievements include winning gold medals at the 2001 and 2002 World Championships.

Sporting Philosophy

Ara's sporting philosophy is rooted in self-belief and continuous improvement. He states, "I believe in myself and focus on my next step. Know what you can, but also know that there are no guarantees. Learn from your previous mistakes and weaknesses and don't repeat them."

Controversy at the Beijing Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stripped Ara of his bronze medal from the Beijing Olympic Games. The IOC Disciplinary Commission disqualified him from the men's Greco-Roman 84kg wrestling event. Ara had discarded his bronze medal at the awarding ceremony on August 14, protesting his semi-final defeat to Andrea Minguzzi of Italy.

During the semifinal bout, judges ruled in favour of Minguzzi, which enraged Ara. He confronted officials and left the arena, hitting an aluminium barricade. Although he initially refused to participate in the bronze medal match, he eventually competed due to his friends' persuasion. After winning the bronze, he placed the medal on the mat and left immediately.

Dietary Habits

Ara maintains a strict diet, consuming 3kg of fruit and vegetables daily. This regimen supports his athletic performance and overall health.

Transition to Sweden

Ara's journey from Armenia to Sweden began when he competed at the 1994 Stockholm Junior Open. Shortly afterwards, he was offered a place on Sweden's national team, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Ara aims to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. This goal reflects his enduring commitment to excellence in wrestling.