Neno Dolmajian

I was watching a documentary about Neno Dolmajian, a former Armenian boxer who won a silver medal in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. I was immediately struck by his story and his indomitable spirit.
Dolmajian was born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1937. His family was poor, and he had to start working at a young age to help support them. He began boxing at the age of 15, and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport.
In 1956, Dolmajian was selected to represent Syria at the Melbourne Olympics. He was the only Syrian boxer to qualify for the Games, and he was determined to make the most of his opportunity.
Dolmajian fought his way to the final, where he faced off against Anatoly Lagetko of the Soviet Union. Lagetko was a formidable opponent, and Dolmajian was knocked down in the second round. But Dolmajian got back up and fought back, eventually losing a close decision.
Despite his loss, Dolmajian was hailed as a hero in Syria. He was awarded the Order of Merit, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Syrian citizen. He also became a national role model, inspiring countless young people to pursue their dreams.
After the Olympics, Dolmajian continued to box professionally. He won the Syrian welterweight championship in 1957, and the Middle Eastern welterweight championship in 1958. He retired from boxing in 1960, with a record of 29 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws.
Dolmajian's story is an inspiring one. He overcame poverty and adversity to achieve his dreams. He is a true role model, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
In 2016, I had the privilege of meeting Dolmajian at a boxing event in Los Angeles. He was a gracious and humble man, and he was happy to share his story with me. I was inspired by his indomitable spirit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have met him.
Dolmajian's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. He is a true inspiration, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Call to Action
If you are looking for inspiration, I encourage you to learn more about Neno Dolmajian. His story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.