Dartanyon: They’re both really difficult sports. It’s really apples and oranges when it comes to difficulty, because you can’t really compare the two. The biggest difference for me in transitioning over was wrestling being more focused towards the ground with a slower center of gravity, while Judo competes higher up. There is a lot more finesse and technique involved with judo such as balance and stability and not a lot of driving your opponent. There are a lot more throws and submissions are allowed in Judo. I like Judo more now, because I’ve gone further and it’s opened more doors versus wrestling.
FLM: Representing the USA at the Paralympic games is a significant accomplishment and a huge honor. What 3 goals would you like to achieve in Rio?
Dartanyon: Clearly I’d like to medal. I really only have one huge goal. It’s being able to compete whether I get a medal or not. Knowing that all of the training leading up to competition has been everything that I needed and everything that I wanted. Despite sponsors, friends and family, I’m going to be the only one that will have to go home and deal with the results of the competition. I have to be comfortable with the results no matter what. I’m a world champion from 2014 so I’ve gone against the top guys already. My chances of medaling are pretty high.
FLM: How would you define a hero?
Dartanyon: I think heroes come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. The underlying piece to being a hero is the caring and compassion that they show towards others. That’s exemplified in how you interact with people and how you treat others and how you go above and beyond the norm to fill a need. That can range from buying a cup of coffee for a homeless person while sitting down to have a conversation with them to saving a life. I think unsung heroes are taken for granted every day. These are people that you don’t see on the news that don’t need recognition or fame or anything in return for their small acts of kindness that could potentially save someone’s life. They are heroes.