Mikael Mikaelyan: I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had gone out to start with word ‘Azerbaijan’ written

By Lusine Shahbazyan

I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had gone out to the start with word ‘Azerbaijan’ written. Armenia’s leading skier Mikael Mikaelyan said this in an interview with NEWS.am Sport.

At the World Ski Cup in Italy, Mikaelyan had covered the name of the tournament sponsor, "Azerbaijan," with adhesive tape before competing. His move received a strong response from the public.

Mikael, how and at what point did you decide to cover the word "Azerbaijan?" What prompted you to take that step?
I have had four starts in this round of the World Cup. In all four, the names of the sponsors on the competition number covers were different. The competition jersey that day had “Azerbaijan” written on it. We get the jerseys with the competition numbers two hours before the start. Since our goal was to perform, I either had to not go out to the start, or somehow cover up the name “Azerbaijan.” I definitely had to cover up that name, I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if I had gone out to the start with “Azerbaijan” written. I covered it up and went out to the start.

Did you decide alone? What did your father, who is also the [Armenian] national [ski] team’s and your personal coach, say about your decision?

My father was also completely supportive of my decision; we didn’t even discuss [it]. Before the start, when I went to the pre-training, I came back, and my father said, “Did you see what’s written on the jersey?” We opened it, looked at it, took it, and went to the start, covered up the name [“Azerbaijan”] and participated. I didn’t get any reaction from the side. Everyone’s goal there is to have a good competition, and mine was too.
What happened after the competition?

The referees called me. We have been working with them for many years and have very good relations, both I and our federation. They called [me] and asked why I had blocked the name “Azerbaijan.” I presented the problem. They said that they completely understood [me] and for them, by and large, there is no difference whether it says “Azerbaijan,” “Skechers” or “Rolex.” They said that the problem is blocking the name of the sponsor, which is a violation of the law of the international federation, since all sponsors must be visible. They said that in this case they are obliged to fine me for the violation, which I accepted as normal. It was clear that values are secondary for them, and as judges, they assess this issue from the point of view of the law. They asked me not to take such a step next time. I did not promise that I would not block that name [“Azerbaijan”] on my shirt. I promised to inform in advance about my steps, in the worst case, to simply not start if that name [“Azerbaijan”] is on the cover of my race number again.

After this heated public reaction, what do you think you will do next time? Will you tape [the name “Azerbaijan”] again?
There are two options: either I will not start, or I will cover that name again with tape. It’s just that there is another problem: our goal is to perform in the best way, to record good results. Spending money, a lot of work, energy to get to the competition site and not starting because of some writing, I do not think it is right. This fine does not affect my points and results. If I am fined in the future as well, it will not affect it again; it is only a financial penalty, which is secondary for me, for us. The primary thing is our merits.

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