Index – Sport – From Mád to Columbus: Hungary’s strongest firefighter also competes in the Arnold Classic
“Last year, we received information about the competition late, but I vowed already then that I would do everything I could to travel to Ohio this year. I have also given all the support to this plan from my sponsors, so it is now official, I will also be there at the Arnold Classic in March” – to the interest of Premium Media Péter Juhász.
And with what goals is he heading towards the United States?
I can start from the videos I saw from the previous year and from the entry list: the competition here traditionally uses smaller weights, but I expect it to be a competition based on explosiveness and agility. These races usually suit me better, so I am confident that I will also be interested in the final organized on the second day of the competition.
The multiple Hungarian champion strongman – who reached the grand finals of the Strongman Champions League held in Alanya last year after achieving a great Hungarian performance that had not been seen for decades and finished sixth there – is at the beginning of his preparations, and still feels in top form.
In November, I planned to take a break of eight or ten days, but this extended to almost a month due to a minor illness. I have never missed this much time, which is why I was a little worried, but now I feel that it went well. I somehow “survive” the first two or three training sessions, but now I feel in better shape than I did at this time a year ago
he told me.
You will be able to prove all of this soon, as the 2023 competition season will begin in two weeks, with the winter national championship.
“In this case, we only compete with smaller weights, in different numbers than usual, due to the cold weather and the caution at the beginning of the year. I try to see it as a good measuring point, a confirmation of the work done so far. I don’t want to take any chances, my third heavy weight training of the week will be replaced by the competition. Well, it’s not like there is such a thing as a “friendly” competition. I’m sure as soon as the first track starts, everyone will be doing everything they can to finish before the other.” Juhász looked ahead.
The rest of the competition calendar is being organized, which is certain, the athlete working as a firefighter in Tiszaújváros wants to put more emphasis on international competitions and Champions League participation than he did last season. Only in the Prémium League Cup series, which he won several times before, would he commit himself to finally conquering this trophy back in his display case after two silver medal-winning years.
In addition to Péter Juhász, at least two Hungarians will definitely be there at the Arnold Classic held in the first week of March – with the participation of more than ten thousand weightlifters: Ribbed Dorina and Tamás Deli will represent our country in pole-pulling.
Cover photo: Péter Juhász celebrates. Photo: Prémium Media & Sport Management Zrt.)