Almost a year has passed since the World Championships in Gdynia, which has set new standards in organization. But that’s not the only reason to remember them. It was then that Janek Żółciński took 3^rd place after a hard fight in left arm. He left behind guys like S. Tokarev or F. Lamparelli. In middle weight, Dawid Bartosiewicz went through a real war with A. Akperov, and lost only in the finals, to J. Amolins, by fouls. Those were not the only Polish successes last year. Marlena Wawrzyniak, Wiesław Podgórski and many others took the podium or got very close. It seems like yesterday, and the Polish team is about to fight in another WC’s soon.

A strong team will go to Vilnius, from juniors to grand masters.

What can we expect?

Definitely a high level of organization, because Marcin Mielniczuk and the whole Mazurenko Armwrestling Promotion team are helping with the organization. What about the national team? I think a few names should get to the very top. Dawid Bartosiewicz, Piotr Bartosiewicz or Marlena Wawrzyniak have the greatest chance for the podium, but armwrestling is a sport, and anything can happen, especially with all categories chock full of fighters.

And what do the team members themselves have to say about their preparations?

Sławomir Głowacki

My main training goal is to improve my stamina in the preparation period, and work on my skills level, both tactical and technical (including quick starts). My training keeps getting more “colorful”. In my opinion, reaching the main goal is divided into two stages: reaching high form, and keeping it on the level, honing your technical skills. This is the moment where I spar a lot and learn from my rivals by observing them.

Let’s not forget that starting in a competition like this, at this level, is not a matter of training harder just before a competition, but of months of preparation. Increased strain and weight overload can actually worsen a fighters form. Physical preparation is the base, but mental form and attitude are the most important. Tactic and psychology are inseparable, “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger”.

Dominik Gliński

The 65 kg category ate the WC’s seems stronger every year. Roman Tsindeliani is back to the top, although I don’t think he ever left, so this competition is going to be a test of my form. I had a chance to represent my country a couple of times before at WC’s and EC’s, but I had no time, which I regret. I hope my debut will be a good one and that I place well.

Małgorzata Ostrowska

I train 5-6 times a week, I do general training, strength-stamina oriented, more crossfit than armwrestling. I do quick, intense workouts of all muscle groups, because I travel for work a lot. My form will be verified by my opponents.

Sebastian Krawczyk

I train 3-4 times a week, depending on my regeneration. I don’t spar, because after a sparring I cannot work out for a week because of arm pains, and there’s not much time left! I focus on my angles and pronator, because they are weaker than they used to be. Because I have a small palm, I’m going to go for breaks and fight in straps. This is the best position for me to utilize my strength.

Grzegorz Nowotarski

I’m working on my form now, I do most exercises with straps and on the pulley (arm simulator). I fought in some heavy Vendettas recently, Poland vs Slovakia, which strained my muscle and tendons a lot. I’m trying to regenerate before the WC’s. Unfortunately, injuries are still hurting, so I cannot work with maximum weights. I try to work on my technique and quick starts, which are not my strongest side. . I put a lot of focus on my stamina, I do MTB races.

And how are your preparations for Vilnius?

BK