Taras, how does it feel to be the champion of Ukraine again?

I haven’t thought about it, because I had other goals before the championships. This was necessary to reclaim my Ukrainian title and be able to proceed. I think it worked, I feel I haven’t used up all my strength yet!

You’re getting better from tournament to tournament, more coordinated and technical, more confident. And yet, while you were on a break, armwrestling has moved on, evolved. What level are you on now?

I try not to look back on my past shape, let bygones be bygones. We must all evolve along with armwrestling. I’m trying to catch up, get on the same level as others. My experience helps, of course, I’ve been in this game since 1995.

Was your right arm always stronger than your left?

My right arm is stronger, my left is more technical. It’s giving me grief at the moment, so I haven’t even used it this tournament.

These days it has become popular to grant prizes to winners in both hands. What is your opinion on that?

It’s right. A person should evolve in a balanced and proportionate way. If armwrestling ever becomes an Olympic sport, it should be for both arms.

But I’m not for it to be introduced in the professional category. After all, I myself am a “one-armed bandit” (laughs).

Are you satisfied with your start in the Ukrainian championships? How strong were your opponents?

I’m in good shape, but still far from perfect. As far as opponents go, I can say that the “hundreds” were the most representative category in this tournament. Even with Artem Taynov missing, the opponents were worthy.

Anti-drug testing has been introduced in Russia. Do you think that’s all right? Should drug-testing be introduced in Ukraine?

As I’ve mentioned before, drug-testing is necessary with amateur tournaments. The Ukrainian Championships are no exception here.

What are your plans for the future, sports-wise?

My main goal is A-1, but before that I want to go to the Lion Cup, if it will go on (considering the situation in my country). It might yet not. If all goes according to plan, I also want to start in the Nemiroff World Cup.

Nemiroff is an elimination to TOP 16. Do you plan on getting into this tournament?

I try not to think about that yet. My goal is to get back to where I was, and every victory brings me closer to that goal.

Artur Grigorian © Gra