Thanks to Master of Sports, Alexander Strizhak, in 2009 another armwrestler was born in Belarus. Artem Nikitenko listened carefully to his PT teacher and started working hard. His trainings were very varied, his progress very fast. Two months later his name was on the winning list, for which he was nominated to the Master of Sports title. This was a marvelous beginning of a sports career. The young master had big plans for his future.

2011 was a breaking point in his career – this and the following two years were completely wasted a far as his career went.

Love – you know how it is – says Nikitenko of his break.

Now Artem says that it was not worth it to quit the beloved sport for the rank of Cupid. You cannot turn back time. But you can always catch up! And so, this year was Artem’s return to his beloved sport. With fresh energy and new priorities he’s ready to fight!

I don’t watch videos of other fighters training – says Artem. Everyone has their own style, their own technique. For example, when it comes to diet, everything depends on the sportsman and his weight, each diet is made based on individual needs. What’s good for one guy, doesn’t have to be good for another.

Many people use lots of supplements, I use only amino acids. That doesn’t mean that nothing else makes sense, it’s just a waste of money for me personally. Amino acids allow you to regenerate faster, to heal faster when you train 5 days a week.

Artem’s never fought at international level, but that’s only a matter of time.

Every event in our sporting lives is something precious that we should cherish – say Artem. When the time comes, I’ll try to get into world championships. But I don’t set any goals, I don’t look at others. I just work hard and treat the sport seriously.

In Belarus, a victory is based on both arms’ scores. This is a very controversial system for many fighters.

I think this is impractical and unfair – says Artem. But it’s not for me to decide. Basically, you just have to be e complete winner, not a partial one. It’s a problem, but a much bigger problem is the financial one. Belarussian armwrestling needs sponsors, this is not a profitable sport in our country. So what should motivate young fighters?

Artem started armwrestling when he was a student, he’s found a part of himself in this sport. Now he’s back after three years’ break, and he’s ready to fight and win!

Artur Grigorian.