He studied engineering, specialized in electrics. Now he wants to study physics. He’s been a sportsman from an early age: volleyball, football, everything he could do. Then he’s discovered armwrestling. It was then that he realized he needs to make a choice.

I haven’t forgotten football – says Alexander. – I play in both local and international games. I’m a goalkeeper, and as in armwrestling, good reflexes are a must. Football keeps my reflexes sharp. But still, armwrestling is the most important for me.

In armwrestling, everyone has their own history – some rich and colorful, some downright boring. Everyone becomes a sportsman for a very different reason.

My friend was doing armwrestling – says Alexander. – He went to all kids of tournaments, and when he decided to go to the Belarussian Championships, I went with him, but not as a spectator – as a contestant. I failed that time, but I’ve learned a lot, I’ve decided to go back to win. That was eight years ago. Since that time I’ve been training with two coaches – Sergey Jakubowski and Oleg Drozdov. I’ve won the Belarussian juniors champion title, I’m a candidate for the master of sports title, I’ve won many prestigious events. This year is my last year as junior, next year I’m going to jump higher. That’s why I want to show everything I have in this year’s European and World Championships.

You can find many armwrestling tutorials on the Internet. But you must also remember that every sportsman needs an individual approach to training. What’s right for one person doesn’t have to be for another.

My armwrestling knowledge is much broader now, and I’m much stronger – says Alexandr. – I choose the smart approach to training. I work out at a gym three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday, two hours a day. I do some twelve exercises that I’ve chosen over the years as the best ones for me.

There are many tutorials on the Internet, very helpful in designing your own workout routine. I still watch such tutorials, in order to learn even more.

In this sport, dieting is a separate matter – says Alexandr. – My diet is dominated by fruit, grains and meat. I don’t use supplements. That might prolong the training process, but that doesn’t bother me, I’m in no hurry.

Like everyone, Alexander has his sports idols.

Tsyplenkov, Brzenk and Voevoda – says Alexandr. – These are the top names for me, there is a lot to learn from their example.

The European and World Championships are close now. I hope Alexander has no financial problems that would keep him from going. Although Belarussian sponsoring for sportsmen is not at the highest level, I still want to believe that the name Gorlenko will be at the list of many prestigious events. Alexander is bound for success, I have no doubt about that.

Artur Grigorian