- Arnold Classic is my first tournament this year – says Mariusz Grochowski, winner of 3^rd place in men’s 199+ lbs category in this year’s AC. – I’m very happy, because I worked very hard to be on the podium. Of course, I’d have loved to get higher, but even though I’m strong, my opponent’s huge hands stopped me in my course.

Mariusz also had his doubts about entering the super heavy weight.

- I was the lightest fighter in this category, if I entered a lighter category, I would have done better.

Mariusz sees his fights as long and hard.

- The semi-final fight was the hardest - recalls Mariusz. It was an all-out war. At one point I wound up in the losing position; but I held my opponent off with hook.

Then I switched to triceps, which got me out of the jam, and then slowly I managed to pin my opponent. I was overjoyed – I was in the finals!

Mariusz lost only one fight in the eliminations, he knew he had to go all out!

- Every fight was my last chance – he says.

What’s interesting, this was the first time that Mariusz fought two days for right hand.

- It’s not very good for you – says Mariusz. After a fight your arms hurt, it’s hard to lift a tea cup. I had a similar problem in the USA … But I came here to fight until the end. And I did. 5 years ago I took 4^th place in 90kg category, now I took 3^rd in +90 kg. I’m happy with my performance, now I’m off to Senecka Ruka in Slovakia.

Iza Małkowska