Adam Łaskawski, a dedicated miner hailing from the Halemba Mine in Poland, returned from the recent World Championships of the Global Powerlifting Confederation (GPC) held in Hungary as a triumphant gold medalist. Łaskawski, who spends his days laboring underground at the Halemba Mine as a conveyor operator, emerged as the undisputed champion in the weight category up to 140 kg. Moreover, he also secured a gold medal in the open category, cementing his position as the best senior athlete. This exceptional feat saw him successfully benchpress a staggering 255 kilograms, leaving the competition in awe of his sheer power and tenacity.
Łaskawski’s journey to becoming a world champion is marked by a long and arduous path filled with rigorous training and dedication. With over two decades of training under his belt, the past seven years have been specifically dedicated to the discipline of bench pressing. His incredible personal record now stands at a jaw-dropping 260 kilograms, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.
“Training is a fundamental part of my life,” Łaskawski shares, emphasizing the daily grind that has been his secret to success. He dedicates approximately one and a half hours each day to his workouts, which are a fusion of bodybuilding routines and the inclusion of a treadmill. Remarkably, considering his weight, running is not a viable option, so he opts for brisk walking to maintain his physical fitness.
In an incredible transformation, Łaskawski recently transitioned to competing in the weight category up to 140 kg, having shed an impressive 24 kg in just six months. Previously tipping the scales at over 150 kg, he realized that his previous lifestyle was unsustainable. “It was just too much. I used to eat from 7 in the morning until 3 in the morning, consuming 11 meals a day. But I suffered from pre-diabetic conditions and decided to adopt a healthier diet. I lost weight but didn’t lose my strength. I feel great now,” he states, revealing his journey to better health and peak performance.
What sets Łaskawski apart is his commitment to “Raw” bench pressing, accomplishing remarkable feats without any supportive equipment. His unadulterated power and natural talent have helped him carve out his place as a world champion.
Remarkably, Łaskawski’s extraordinary strength is not just confined to the weightlifting platform. He effortlessly carries his fiancée as if she were as light as a feather. Additionally, his formidable power is an invaluable asset in his demanding mining job. Yet, he acknowledges the importance of his friends and colleagues in ensuring his safety and well-being before competitions, reflecting the tight-knit camaraderie among miners.
“I feel a strong connection to the mine. I want to work there until retirement. I can count on the support of my colleagues. Thanks to the mine’s support and the Polish Mining Group, I can also pursue my passion and win medals,” Łaskawski declares, emphasizing his bond with his workplace and the opportunities it affords him.
Bench pressing is a niche sport in Poland, and despite his numerous medals and titles, athletes like Łaskawski often struggle to secure the necessary sponsorships to participate in competitions. Thanks to the support of PGG S.A., he has had the privilege of competing in events around the world, including Tokyo, France, and Luxembourg. Additional backing from the City Council of Ruda Śląska and a few smaller sponsors has also contributed to his success.
In the weeks ahead, Łaskawski is gearing up for the European Championships, his sights set on further glory. Moreover, his long-cherished dream is to compete in the Mr. Olympia competition in the United States, an event renowned for its association with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Bench pressing, a sport that often flies under the radar, is both an individual and part of powerlifting triathlons. Its origins date back to 1958 in the United Kingdom, and independent bench press competitions took root in 1995 in Budapest, Hungary.