Even though he started training acrobatics when he was in kindergarten, he really dreamed of becoming a soldier – a general, to be exact. But life had other plans for him. Today Janek Żółciński is a massage therapist; he also studies food safety and dietetics. The only thing left from his childhood is his passion for sport, inherited from his parents. He channels it into armwtestling.

I trained many disciplines – says Jan. – Some more, some less. I kept looking for my favorite sport until, 3 years ago, I finally found armwrestling.

It all started with Janek’s friend – Tomek Rucz, a fellow armwrestler, and Mirek Krawczak, who encouraged Janek to start in his very first competition.

When I returned to the gym after a year’s break, my attention was caught by an armwrestling table, and by Tomek who, weighing some 70 kg, beat guys who weighed about 140kg! I was amazed! I wanted to try that too. After a couple of sparrings Tomek asked me if I wanted to get serious about it. That’s how it all began.

The beginnings were not easy.

I saw how little I knew, and with every training I thought I knew even less – says Janek, laughing. – My head was spinning with all the information that I found on the Internet and learned from my colleagues. But with time it all started to come together. Then came the modification stage, when I adapted the elements to fit my “style”, and although I still feel I have a lot to do, it’s all going in the right direction.

Janek’s first success was the 2010 tournament in Konin, when after a month of training he placed 3^rd in the OPEN category, left-hand. But then the first problems started to occur.

With bad warmup, I developed acute pain in both my hands – recalls Janek. – Sometimes you strain something too much or damage a fastening. Sometimes I still feel pain, but that’s sport for you, no pain no gain. My friend once said that this sport is for masochists, because no matter how much pain you’re in, you’ll still approach the table.

So why did Janek choose armwrestling?

I always preferred individual disciplines to team sports. I like to depend on myself only, not looking at weaker teammates when I calculate my chances – says Janek. – Besides, compared to other sports, armwrestling stands out in terms of sports rivalry, lack of corruption, magnificent people and great atmosphere. This is my place.

Today armwrestling is a way of life for Janek. The most important for him are self-discipline and new challenges. His most important title – first place at Polish Championships.

Since I’ve won that, I feel more and more strong psychologically, I believe that all I want to achieve starts in my head – says Janek.

His plans for the nearest future are to make a name for himself on the international arena. – I want to be in this sport until I can be no more – he declares.

Iza Małkowska