A Polish strongman has won the hearts and minds of his hometown after etching his name into sporting history by claiming the title of World Champion in Strict Curl power lifting.
Łukasz Rutkowski from the town of Stargard in northwest Poland delighted fans at the GPC Powerlifting World Championships in Slovakia in October with his world record-breaking lift of 61 kilograms.
The grueling sport, which requires athletes to curl a barbell while keeping their shoulders and butt pressed against a wall, saw Rutkowski triumph over fierce competition to secure his place as the best in his weight category of 82.5kg.
He also contributed to Poland’s overall third-place finish in the championship.
Now the Mayor of Stargard has praised his achievement as being a source of pride for the town.
The grueling sport, which requires athletes to curl a barbell while keeping their shoulders and butt pressed against a wall, saw Rutkowski triumph over fierce competition to secure his place as the best in his weight category of 82.5kg.
He also contributed to Poland’s overall third-place finish in the championship.
Now the Mayor of Stargard has praised his achievement as being a source of pride for the town.
Posting on the town hall’s website, Rafał Zając said: “Mr. Łukasz's result is a reason to be proud both because of the sporting achievement and the worthy representation of Stargard on the international stage.
“When I meet champions in various disciplines, I am always very impressed by their ambition and perseverance in pursuing goals.
“This is a great example, especially for young people who are just starting their adventure with sports.”
Rutkowski began his journey to sporting fame in bodybuilding before an injury forced him to redirect his focus to Strict Curl.
Following his world championship win, he said: “Sport has always been my passion, especially strength sports. Years of training and perseverance have led me to where I am now.
“But that's not the end, I plan to compete next season, if I manage to qualify, in the most prestigious competition, Arnold Classic Europe.”
“When I meet champions in various disciplines, I am always very impressed by their ambition and perseverance in pursuing goals.
“This is a great example, especially for young people who are just starting their adventure with sports.”
Rutkowski began his journey to sporting fame in bodybuilding before an injury forced him to redirect his focus to Strict Curl.
Following his world championship win, he said: “Sport has always been my passion, especially strength sports. Years of training and perseverance have led me to where I am now.
“But that's not the end, I plan to compete next season, if I manage to qualify, in the most prestigious competition, Arnold Classic Europe.”
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