Greta Vardanyan

Greta Vardanyan (born February 20, 1986) is an Armenian powerlifter and Para-alpine skier. She has competed on four occasions for Armenia at the Paralympic Games, one Winter and three Summer. Vardanyan was the flag bearer on each occasion when she attended a Summer Games.

Early life Greta Vardanyan (née Khndzrtsyan) was born on February 20, 1986. As a result, both her legs were amputated above the knee. Vardanyan's parents and siblings died due to injuries sustained in the earthquake.

Sporting career Para-alpine skiing Vardanyan started to compete in sports in 1993, initially in para-alpine skiing. She was spotted, and between 2002 and 2005 she took part competitively in the United States. Vardanyan took part in the women's sitting giant slalom, finishing with an overall time of 3:43.29 in 11th position.

Weightlifting She began competing in weightlifting professionally in 2005, and took part in her first international competition two years later, Vardanyan did not place in the women's 48 kg weight class after failing to lift on three occasions.

In 2012, she was chosen as part of a female only team, alongside swimmer Maga Hovakimyan, for Armenia to compete in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, England. Vardanyan finished outside of the medal positions, having lifted a weight of in the Women's 48 kg competition.

Vardanyan was once again selected to compete for Armenia at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As with the previous two games, she was chosen as her nation's flag bearer in the Parade of Nations. She finished in fifth place in her weight class, her heaviest lift being out of her three successful attempts.

Vardanyan finished in second place at the opening event of the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in 2017, held in Eger, Hungary. Taking part in the 55 kg class, she lifted , only beaten by Chile's Camila Campos with a lift of .

Personal life Vardanyan is married and has a daughter. She lives in Gyumri, Shirak Province, with her family.