The young Belarussian armwrestler was one of the competitors this year. It wasn’t his first time, either, in 2013 he debuted in the main event of an amateur arm, winning gold and bronze right out of the gate.

Last year I started in the younger juniors category – says Smirnov. – I won in left arm, and got bronze in right. I was planning to repeat this in the 36^th WCs, but unfortunately I failed. I tried myself in two categories – older juniors and seniors, The levels were high, and I couldn’t get to the podium.

Artem Smirnov is one of the most promising fighters in the country. However, the national team has many great sportsmen, who presented a great level at the WCs.

I liked the performance of our girls, who fought at the WCs for the first time – says Smirnov. – Tatyana Romanuk won gold and silver, Valeria Tsykunova – silver and bronze. Let’s not forget our veterans, either - Oleg Matskevitch and Sergey Sergelyakh, who both won gold for our team.

All in all, the team got great scores, especially considering that only 2 0fighters arrived, out of the estimated 60.

WCs are the main event in the world of amateur armwrestling. Every year the level is higher. Many say though, that this year this trend was broken.

I remember the moment when we were all supposed to get medals, but didn’t – says Artem. But in general, the organization was good. Not everything went smoothly, but I felt comfortable as a sportsman.

The bad moments vanished at the tables, and after all, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? To fight and choose the strongest.

I liked Evgenyi Prudnik’s fight in left arm – says Artem. – But the most interesting character of the championships turned out to be Sasho Andreev. This Bulgarian fighter won 4 gold medals! And in the past, he beat Janis Amolins and Vadim Akperov! He is a very interesting persona in the modern armwrestling.

Soon Artem will fight in the armwrestling Belarussian Cup, and then he’ll start preparing for the European Championships. He pays his own fare for his armwrestling travels, but that doesn’t stop him from winning new battles.

Artur Grigorian