There are not so many sportsmen, who surprise us with their strength and spirit. But young Swedish Elin does!

Elin, tell us about yourself, please.

– My name is Elin Janeheim and I am 14 years old. I live in the Swedish Lapland in a small munipilacy called Sorsele with my family. I have one little sister and one little brother. I go to school in grade 8.

How did you come to armwrestling?

– I heard about it from a classmate, when I went to third grade, that I could train armwrestling.

I started to train and then I taught it was really funny! Suddenly I saw my skills at my first competition a few months later. I think they friends and relatives like it.  My family is proud of me and so do my friends. They have always believed in me and tell me that I can do it, no matter what. My dad supports me. I have always wanted to be the best. But when someone else believes in you, it’s easier to realize that "I can and I will!"

What do you prefer in your workouts – to work with weights, iron or sparring?

– My favorite workout is armwrestling training by the table. You learn so much and you are also getting stronger. My sparring partners are my second family - Storuman Armsport, and of course my father.

If he hadn't support me I think I would not be here that I am today. Of course everyone has been supporting me but especially him.

How do you feel after the World Championship?

– I feel great! Everyone is strong and good armwrestler, so it was a big challenge.

I can not believe that I am a World Champion! And yes, I am two times European champion. When I won my first European title, I could not understand it. And then one year later I won again... so that is also hard to understand!!!

Who was your toughest rival?

– Yekaterina Lyakhova from Kazakhstan. She is a very strong and competent armwrestler. I went undefeated to the final when I won against her in left arm. I was so happy back then!

Who surprised you the most?

– Anastasia Kast, which also was representing Kazakhstan in my weight-class. She was very strong and her name was not at the start lists, so it was really fun and interesting. It felt like she went up from nowhere!

Whom would you like to pull with?

– I would like to pull with my biggest idol, Fia Reisek in a championships final!

What are your plans?

– Armwrestle as long as it is fun.

Elin is a real example of perseverance. We wish her to become a high-professional sportsman and win a great number of different titles in her career.