Bożena Cichopek of The MCKiS Tytan Jaworzno Armwrestling Club is a real fighter in the arm wrestling world. For some time now, since 2007 to be specific she is trying her luck on the arm wrestling table. She is one of the main athletes in the women’s masters’ category. She has not had too many rivals here in Poland (in beginning she was the only woman in her category) but now competing internationally she has a lot more opponents.  

When we first found out that Bożena is going to the 19th European Championships in Bulgaria (she has got her place in the national team after a good performance at the Polish nationals) we thought it might be a chance for a medal. We have hoped that besides the medals won in the master’s category by men we will be celebrating a first historic medal won by a women. The superb performance in Bulgaria resulted in two medals but not some medals silver ones. 

We would like to present you the figure of our sportswomen, Bożena Cichopek from Katowice 2 time silver medalist in the under 60kg masters category.

Right from the first training I knew that this is the sport for me

Name: Bożena Cichopek
Age: 44 lata
Height: 161 cm
Competing weight: under 60 kg
Living in: Katowice
Education: economical
Marital status: single club
Club: MCKiS TYTAN Jaworzno
Coach: Mariusz Grochowski

Armpower: Since when you have started training arm wrestling?
Bożena Cichopek: I have started training arm wrestling 3 years ago.

Armpower: Why arm wrestling?  
Bożena Cichopek: Right from the first training I knew that this is the sport for me

Armpower: What is your biggest success?
Bożena Cichopek: Gold medals during the Polish nationals and cup in the seniors under 60kg and masters categories. 

Armpower: Do you have any hobbies? 
Bożena Cichopek: History and tourism.  

Armpower: Your dreams?
Bożena Cichopek: A World Championship medal.

Armpower: Do you train something besides arm wrestling?  
Bożena Cichopek: Yes: mountain biking and running.

Armpower: Do you remember your first competition? 
Bożena Cichopek: Yes. It was in 2007 in Wodzisław Śląski. I took 2nd place on the 1st Championships of the southern Poland in the senior’s 60kg category. 

Armpower: Where and whit whom are you training?
Bożena Cichopek: I train in the MCKiS TYTAN club in Jaworznie. Here I train with Nikola Ipnar and Gosia Mielczarek. I train also in the TKKF Hades gym in Mikołow.

Armpower: How does your training look? 
Bożena Cichopek: I train almost every day. During the week I do a regular body building routine and 3 times a week I train my arm. I do also running and bike riding. 

Armpower: Was your start at the European Championships in Bulgaria your international debut?

Bożena Cichopek: Yes it was my debut. 

Armpower: Are you happy with how you have done there?
Bożena Cichopek: Yes I am very happy

Armpower: Can you describe how it is to stand on the European podium? 
Bożena Cichopek: It’s an unforgettable and moving moment.

Armpower: Is it hard to go to such international event? 
Bożena Cichopek: Yes. Especially in terms of financing the trip. Not everyone can afford it.  

Armpower: What next? What are your plans?
Bożena Cichopek: I am still straining and I intend to start in next events. I would really like to start in this year’s World Championships in Italy but it depends on me finding a sponsor. 

Armpower: Is the international rivalry tough? 
Bożena Cichopek: Yes. The level of competing is very high. 

Armpower: Any special diet?
Bożena Cichopek: I try to keep a sport high protein diet. 

Armpower: Your arm wrestling authority?  
Bożena Cichopek: Lucjan Fudała

Armpower: Is arm wrestling a sport for everyone?
Bożena Cichopek: I think not. It’s a sport for chosen people you just need to love it.

Armpower: What next? 
Bożena Cichopek: I am training and getting ready for next events.