Dmitry is one of those people who can use their heads. In this sport, intelligence and individual approach are very important. Dmitry holds the title of Master of Sports in Belarus, knows the human body processes very well, can train at home with minimum equipment, and is an ambitious and manly guy.

Dmitry, how did you get into amwrestling?

When I went to college, I moved into a dormitory. We used to fight on regular tables all the time back then. I’ve noticed that my hands have a lot of power. My first year in college I entered my first competition – the college championships. I entered in the 60 kg category and took 1^st place.

That first taste of victory got you into training?

Not exactly. I started training a year ago. Before that I just worked out at a gym, trained with wooden logs. Up until now I haven’t trained for almost a year and a half, because of a spinal injury, which weakened my right arm substantially. I can still feel it sometimes. I’ve learned my basics with my coach, Mikhail Soltanowicz. Now I work out at home.

What equipment do you use?

Two barbells, a couple of dumbbells, a “Captain” iron hand, two belts for weights. That’s about it. I’m thinking of buying a prayer bench and a couple of pulleys.

What is your training plan?

Between seasons I work out 3 – 4 times a week, for one and a half hour. In a month and a half, before a tournament, I’ll go up to 4 times a week, 3 hours a session. I do about 7 exercises per session. I try to sleep at least 8 hours a day. I usually eat whatever I want, but I cut weight before tournaments, using a protein diet.

Who is your armwrestling idol?

Brzenk and Voevoda, of course. Also a few Belarussian armwrestlers, like Valentin Bobrowicz, Victor Bratchenya,Dmitrij Shmyko and Alexandr Jankowsk.

Tell us about your sports achievements.

My most valued achievement is the title of Belarussian Master of Sports, for winning the 2^nd place in the last year’s championships. I’m also proud of 2^nd place in the last year’s RB and the 1^st in the Belarussian Cup – both in right hand. I’d like to show what I’ve got in the European and world championships.

Professionally you travel a lot to Russia and back to Belarus. Does this affect your training?

I work in Moscow, and it is a bit of a disadvantage to my training. That’s why I’ve decided to stay more at home and rest before the completion.

Who are the Belarussian armwrestling elite?

They are all multiple winners of different competitions. The names to mention here are: Bratchenya, Mackiewicz and Bobrowicz Shmyko.

What’s missing in Belarussian armwrestling, in your opinion?

Money and sponsors, like in every other sport.

Do you follow any international armwrestling events?

I always watch the Nemiroff World Cup, because the strongest people from all over the world go there to fight. I’m also interested in other projects, like TOP 16. I’m very curious if Voevoda and Larratt are going to compete, especially as Larratt has the world armwrestling champion belt, but he ignores many competitions.

Who are your top 3 strongest armwrestlers of the world?

Right hand – Tsyplenkov, Voevoda, Larratt; left hand – Shmyko, Sharagovich, Kirilenko.

Drug testing at national level competitions – important or not?

Not on the national level – they are too expensive. Europe and Worlds’ – not entirelynecessar. And there should be none at amateur tournaments – that’s what professionals’ are for.

What are your sports plans for the future?

I set myself the goal to be one of the two strongest armwrestlers in my category in the Belarussian Championships. If that didn’t work, it would mean that I’m just not ready yet; but it has worked out all right, I came 2^nd. I could have been the 1^st, I was heavier than my opponent. That’s why my next start is going to be in the Europeans

What would you like to wish to beginning armwrestlers?

More work on the basics – strengthen all your muscle groups, and only then proceed to techniques, to avoid injury.

Artur Grigorian