He’s the only armwrestler to represent Poland on Arnold Classic.

- My preparations are going fine, a step at a time – says Mariusz Grochowski. – I’m entering the heaviest category, +90 kg, so I put on some weight; but then I cut it by 4 kg. Heavy weight caused my hands to get pumped too quick during training and lose strength too quick. Now my weight is ideal, I weigh 102 kg.

How does Mariusz prepare for Arnold Classic?

- The hardest period of training is over for me – says Grochowski. – I stay in shape through many things: crossfit, fat killer, judo, armwrestling. I prepare holistically. First I trained with large weights, now I reduced weight in order to avoid injury.

I’m strong enough, I just need to keep that way.

Mariusz entered AC for the first time in 2009. He won 1st place in ArmWars in Manchester, 2008, in category <90kg, and thus he won entry into Arnold Classic. Since then he gets invited every year, this year to Columbus, Ohio, USA.

- It’s an expensive trip and I cannot afford it every year – says Mariusz. – But after a year’s break for injury treatment I’ve decided to enter every major tournament this year.

Arnold Classic will take place in Columbus Ohio, USA; on 27^th February there will be weigh-ins and entries, the next day eliminations will take place, and on the 1^st of March – finals. For more details, visit http://arnoldsportsfestival.com/

Iza Małkowska