Before Baku, were you sure you were going to fight, or just referee? Why did you start in right hand only?

I had one goal in mind – be in top form for the Nemiroff World Cup, which is an elimination to the national team. I treated this as a training start, after a 9 month break from armwrestling, 3rd place in 90 kg was no guarantee of being in Azerbaijan. However, as a member of the European Referee Panel I was asked to be there as referee and coach. The bronze medal at the PC gave me a reserve place in the national team, and thanks to Łukasz Obłuski, my team mate, FAP approved my start in a lower weight – 85 kg. As for the left arm – I had an injury a few years ago, and it still keeps me from wrestling in my favorite positions, so I just keep that arm out of action.

You were in the favorites group, but did you expect a medal? What tactics did you use to win 3rd place?

I didn’t feel like a favorite at all. There were 13 fighters in the 85 kg category. Maybe that’s not a lot, but names like Prudnik, Cherskiy, Dimitrov, Lengarov or Kovac mean medals every year at the EC, WC or World Cups. Did I expect a medal? That’s what I went to Baku for! It was all I could think about, even though it seemed  abstract at the time. I always use one tactic – maximum concentration, peace of mind and focus on all my 10 years of experience and skill. Many people put their faith in me, and a close person stood by me and allowed me to show my strength.

Did it take you long to prepare for the 2014 EC? How did you train, what was your diet like? What else did you do for shape, mental and physical?

I started preparing at the beginning of the year and didn’t stop almost to the start of the tournament. I just took 9 days off right before. I trained hard, chose my exercises in order to divide my technique into segments. I’m not going to give you programs, sets and reps here, because that’s a long story, but if any one of the readers wants to know how I train, please visit me at the Zloty Tur in Gdynia. As for diet – I approached this subject very seriously, using a diet prepared for me by Krzysztof Tur, whom I want to thank very much. Then there’s Łukasz Obłuski, whose training tips and knowledge were invaluable. I believe that training with him will help a lot towards winning medals on the international level.

Which opponent was the most difficult in your opinion? Are the golden and silver medalists not yet within your reach?

I had the most trouble with Maxim Cheriskiy, the silver medalist, his speed and strength were too much for me at present. I hope to be able to take him on soon, though. As for Prudnik, he’s a very experienced and strong fighter. I’d like to take him on in hook, but his control by pronation made it impossible for me. Taking the podium alongside these guys is an honor, and I hope one day to take their place.

What’s next? Are you resting or preparing for anything else?
I’ve decided to take some time to rest, get my arm 100% functional. Then I’m planning to do some bodybuilding for 5-6 weeks, and then back to armwrestling, to prepare for the World Cup. I’m going to the WC, but as a referee only. I’m sure that both Piotr Bartosiewicz and Łukasz Obłuski will do great in 85 kg, fighting for the World Champion title.

Paweł Podlewski