How long have you been training armwrestling?

I’m in the sport from the II Polish Cup, which took place in Tornado Club, in Gdynia. I placed third there, in 100 kg category. Before that, wherever I went, nobody could stand up to me. Just being beat in the tournament gave me motivation to go into the sport full-steam. My previous disciplines were 3 years kayaking and 7 years of taekwondo (self-taught). I don’t want to brag, but I never lost to anyone; but that’s in the past (laughs).

And now comes the future – Nemiroff 2013.

Nemiroff is the biggest event of the year for me, it gives me such an adrenaline rush that words cannot describe it. Just huge joy and freedom of expression. A few years ago I seriously tore my biceps, which disabled me from fighting with full force. A year ago I’ve gone back to working out with weights, but I know my form keeps growing back and I cannot wait to test it on the best. And Nemiroff is a cage of lions that I love to fight.

What story do you remember the most?

The thing I remember the most is Denis Cyplenkov’s first start on Nemiroff and the fight with John Brzenk, which proved that age is no obstacle on the road to greatness. This inspires me and motivates me to work harder.

How are you preparing for the Nemiroff?

I focus on my weaknesses and try to work on technical variety, because the opponents are going to vary, both in technique and in strength.

In the meantime, do you also coach new contestants?

I always start training people from the very basics, but first and foremost focus on their minds. When everything’s set up there, we get on with the rest. I teach them to fight fair and never give up.

I have a large group of contestants, and it’s constantly growing; and so is the sport’s audience. I know that in the future armwrestling will become an Olympic sport.

Iza Małkowska