Still think that the summer is a time for rest and relaxation? If so, visit the Belarussian town of Snow, close to Nieswiez. Here, in the local health center, three fighters combined their powers in order to prepare for the World Championships. Today we learn how they train.

Artem Smirnov, current juniors' world champion:

I plan to start in the 75 kg category, as senior junior. Besides that, I plan to start in seniors up to 75 kg. I train hard, Tuesdays I comcentrate on pronations, Wednsday i train my hook, Fridays side pressure, Saturdays I regenarate. I spar no more than twice a week. I do my basics on pulley. I increase weight with every training, to be best prepared. My diet doesn't change – i make no sacrifices, all within norm. As for supplements, I use BCAA, creatine and joint/ligaments supplements.

Eugeniusz Masłowski:

Right before the World Championships I started to train really hard and use borderline weights. I have no basic exercises, I only do specialized armwrestling ones. I strenghten my fortes, work on my weak points. I like to train with Smirnov – his technique is like mine, but he is much stronger, which is good for me. Want to get better – train with the best. I have a tendency to put on weight, so I stick to a diet, so as not to get outside 70.

Andrzej Wojciechowski:

In the WC's I'll be fighting in the up to 70 category, juniors. I train four times a week. I always go all out, increase weights. I put special focus on side pressure, it's my weak point. I don't really diet, I have a 2 kg reserve.

Their preparations are aided by Alexey Gritskevich, who'll be aspectator and trainer this year. Will they get to the top of world armwrestling? We'll see soon. Let the best man win!

Artur Grigorian

Photos from Artem Smirnov's archive (Eugeniusz Masłowski on the left, Artem SMirnov)