They’re brothers, born on Rhode Island, the birthplace of Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes. For 20 years now they’ve been living in Humboldt County, California. Russell runs the “Strength Chamber” gym in Gaberville, Kevin owns a plant nursery.

What’s so special about their story? The fact that Kevin decided to pay for his brother’s dream trip to Nemiroff. Before that, Russ will get a chance to train with Igor Mazurenko in the legendary “Zloty Tur” gym in Gdynia. And it all began with .. a table.

Russell trains my son – says Kevin Jodrey. - It’s hard to find a good training table in USA, and I wanted to buy one for my son. Geoff Hale told me to contact Igor Mazurenko, who’s tables are the best. I did that, and asked how one may go about training with him. I saw many videos of him training with the best contestants in the world. I knew that if my brother had the chance to be in that room with other strong men then something special may happen.

Kevin didn’t have to wait long for an answer. After consulting with Igor, Magda Piechowska from sales department invited Russ to Igor’s gym in Gdynia.

We couldn’t believe our own luck! – says Kevin. - The invitation was such a big deal to us that I offered to help my brother with the trip. Every great armwrestler on earth, or at least most, have walked through the door at Igors. I knew that the trip would be so valuable for Russ.

Russell started armwrestling as a boy, in loose table top matches. He got into armwrestling in an organized manner about 2004. His best result was taking 10th left hand, at the world championships held in Las Vegas a few years back. He has never had a coach or a team to train with. Now his time has finally come.

Magda informed them, that if Russ could get out here by the end of October, then he would be able to train with the athletes that were preparing for the contest and go with them to the World Cup – says Kevin. - To Russ and myself the Nemiroff’s are the big show. You must be able to win over bigger men to even stand on the stage. To be able to just be there is enough this time. I have no doubt that Russ will pull on many arms. Igor will guide him.

Russell and Kevin live in the mountains of northern California, and it is not known as a strength mecca.

I believe that a trip to Igor’s is the best possible situation to occur – says Kevin. - Russ will get access and knowledge from Igor and the athletes who train at Igor’s. Sometimes you have to go far to get what you need and this is one of those times. I still can’t believe that Russell is getting to go train with Igor Mazurenko? Who could ever have even thought it was possible.

Iza Małkowska