You are a new armwrestler, who very quickly got to the national top. Good genes or intense training?

I like to think that both things contributed to my success. I always knew that I was good at armwrestling, but I always devoted a lot of time to intense training, no matter what discipline I practiced. Since I was a child I practiced sports and coaches instilled in me the determination and taught me how to work unwaveringly toward my goals. And my goal is simple - to continually improve my skills. Therefore, I train very hard in preparation for events, such as national or world championships.

Are you preparing for the Nemiroff in a special way? Other than for the World Championships?

I prepare myself for the World Cup, like for any other important event. I see no point in changing something that works well and allows me to keep going.

It will be your second time at the Nemiroff. You didn’t manage to get a medal last year. This time you’re going to.. ? Get a medal? Win? Have good matches?

Last year I took 7th place on the left hand in the heaviest category, and as far as I can remember about 30 competitors competed in this class, most of whom were more experienced and much more powerful than me. I think I did well. This year I want to perform even better. I’m not thinking about the podium, but about performing better. I want to show that I can pull at a very high level.

What means taking part in the Nemiroff to you? The crowning achievement of hard work, honour, or distinction? Many people dream to start there, the number of places is very limited. You made ​​it.

Competing in this event is something special for me and it is connected with an interesting story. When I began to practice this sport, I won a standing ticket for the Nemiroff World Cup in Sopot. When I went there and saw it with my own eyes, I realized that I wanted to be a part of this world, and also take part in this competition one day. It just happened that two years later I was again at the competition, but this time as a competitor.

There are athletes who are able to prepare themselves for a year to win against a particular opponent. Do you think it’s a good idea to get a medal?

There are different athletes and different schools. It is certainly an idea. I always want to make sure I’m prepared for any eventuality, so I correct my weaknesses. I don’t prepare myself with particular opponents in mind, because we may not meet at the table. Unless we mean Andrey and Denis.

I would like to wish all our athletes competing in the Nemiroff great matches and satisfactory results.

* Special thanks for supporting Jan Żółciński to the company MAAN Ltd.

Interview by Iza Małkowska