There are many young Belarussian armwrestlers at the top of their form, ready to show the world what they’ve got. One of them is Alexey Kovaliov, two times junior champion of Belarus and the winner of Belarus Cup. He also holds the title of Master of Sports. Despite his young age, Kovaliov is not afraid to face more experienced fighters, winning titles on national levels, in junior and also in senior class.

I was introduced to armwrestling by my friend and a Master of Sports – Ruslan Vinnikov – says Alexey. – He was the first to tell me that I’ve got strong arms, just right for the sport. I’ve been practicing sports since I was 14 years old, so I started training right away. I’ve met the requirements for a Master of Sports in my first competition, and that was the beginning of my road.

In Belarus, as all over the world, there is already a deficit of armwrestling coaches. Usually the fighters themselves take on that role, sharing their knowledge and experience with the younger generations.. He who seeks, shall find.

My first coach was Oleg Lesco – says Alex. – He gave me the basis for my knowledge, designed my training program. After achieving the Master of Sports title I’ve started training with an International Master of Sports – Kiril Gusalov. His knowledge and experience helped me a lot.

Alex is not only moving forward, but also taking any hurdles in his stride.

This year I plan to start in A1 – says Alex. – Then I’ll fight for the World Championships medal.

Competing on both amateur and international levels – not everyone could do that.

Why is Alex so sure of himself? One reason is his training program.

I approach my training intelligently – says Alex. If I could go back in time, I’d put much more focus on exercising the extremities of my arms, my wrists, do 3-part exercises and strengthen my weak points. But let’s not dwell on the past – life goes on. In the off-season I work out 2-3 times a week, mostly basics. When a competition is approaching, I get more intense – 4-5 times a week, 3 h per workout. I do static and dynamic, to perfect my technique. Out of a wide range of specialized exercises I’ve chosen the ones that target the most important muscles – standing bicep curls, static and dynamic prayer bench exercises, lifting, pronation. I also rest accordingly, regeneration is very important, I try to sleep 7-8 hours a day.

Many sportspeople ignore the importance of dieting. Alex is not one of them.

I watch my weight carefully, especially for competitions – says Alex. – In the morning I eat carbohydrates, cheese and fruit. I eat meat for lunch, and also meat for dinner, with fruit and vegetables. I also use supplements – I take gainers in the off-season, and amino acids and proteins when the competition time comes. I also take creatine.

Alexey fights in both hands, and he thinks the Belarussian system of prizing both hands in summations is unfair.

In Europe and all over the world each hand is judged separately – says Alexey. – I think we should follow this example.

Alexey follows armwrestling news closely. He thinks the TOP 16 is going to be a breakthrough event. – One day soon I too hope to be invited to such events – says Alex.

Artur Grigorian