“The winner of the last year’s World Cup left arm in the under 95kg category – Lucjan Fudała from Jaworzno had advanced to the final of this year’s European Championships in the under 100kg left hand category. Although he has done it without any loss, he has been defeated by Ion Oncescu of Romania. As a result Lucjan has finished second. It is a great success for Polish arm wrestling because we haven’t had such a result in this weight category ever before but on the other hand it would have been nice to hear the Polish national anthem – The Dąbrowski’s Mazurka” 

This are the words of the President of the Polish Armwrestling Federation – Igor Mazurenko which describe Lucjan’s start in the 19th European Championships in Bulgaria which took place in June 2009 in the capitol city of Bulgaria – Sofia. 

The start of the Polish national team in international events has shown us that we are now in the arm wrestling world elite. Everyone has deserved a round of applause and a “thank you” from the fans. But in the tangle of medals (oh yes, we have won 17 of them) a sensation is a medal won by the strongest left arm Pole in 2008 (winner of the Polish national cup 2008) and the reign left hand champion of the “Nemiroff World Cup 2008” (he has even defeated the legendary John Brzenk!) – Lucjan Fudała from Jaworzno.  

We want to remind you that Lucjan has won without a problem all of his fights in the 100kg category and advanced to the final round. In this moment the Polish supporters had faith that we could have the first gold medal in history. Unfortunately Lucjan has been defeated twice by the quick puller from Romania – Ion Oncescu. So much for the gold medal but instead we have a next silver medal on this year’s European Championships. Lucjan during the second day has added also a bronze medal (right arm) to the medal pool.  
Has Lucjan had a chance to win the gold medal and what does he think about the European Championships? These are the questions we have asked our silver European medalist.

LUCJAN 
ADRENALINE RUSH 
FUDAŁA


Armpower: Why have you decided to start in the Europen Championships 2009?
Lucjan Fudała: I have decided that it’s time to start going abroad and competing in international events, fight against the best pullers.

I feel that I won’t learn anything more fighting just in Poland. It’s time to know my opponents, learn from losses and wins, and get to know the different arm wrestling school from other countries.

Armpower: Have you felt that you have a chance to win a medal?
Lucjan Fudała: As a matter of fact I did not know what to expect. I just knew that the best pullers from Europe will be there. My preparation to the championships has been really intense; I have trained 6-7 times a week. I have been 100% ready for the championships. Deep under I was hoping for a good spot (like all of us) but I haven’t thought I will become the European vice Champion. Only now I really believe in my strength and skills

Armpower: Have you had a chance to take the gold?
Lucjan Fudała: At this moment Ion Oncescu from Romania is just out of my range but I know now how to get ready for the future to compete with him. Ion is just a very strong, dynamic and experienced athlete. My on the other hand, I am just getting to know my opponents and I am gaining my first international experiences.  

Armpower: Has this been your first start in European Championships? If no, do you have any successes yet?
Lucjan Fudała: This has been my third start. The first one was in 2005 in Bulgaria in the same city and in the same arena as this year. Back then I have been still a junior competing in the over 78kg category. I took 3rd place on the left hand. The second time was the 2006 Europeans in Hungary in the city of Good. It has been my first senior’s start in such a prestigious event. The competition itself turned out for me very unlucky. I have lost very fast due to my sickness. On the next day I have ended up in bed with a fever. After this I have decided that I won’t go to the next championships unless I am ready to compete against the best.  

Armpower: What do you think about this year’s European Championships? Organization, the level and how has the Polish team done?
Lucjan Fudała: I rate these championships as very good. Not only because I have done so well but also because of the organization. The whole rivalry went very smoothly. As for the level of the competition: it was very high. We have seen a lot of knew arm wrestling stars being born. And our national team has done better than ever. We can see that we are improving every year. The new record of 17 medals speaks for itself!