A firefighter from Novopolotsk became the absolute champion of the Republic of Belarus in bodybuilding

Recently, the Palace of Culture of the Minsk Tractor Works hosted the Republic of Belarus Bodybuilding Championship. More than two hundred people from all over the country gathered for this representative tournament. For two days, judges selected the owner of the strongest and most beautiful body. Leaving no chance to rivals, the absolute champion of the Republic of Belarus was the senior firefighter of fire and rescue unit No. 3 of fire and rescue squad No. 1 at the facilities of OJSC "Naftan" and the Novopolotsk Thermal Power Plant of the Novopolotsk City Department for Emergency Situations, Ilya Lukovets. The firefighter himself spoke about how he achieved victory and what heights he plans to conquer.

Recently, the Palace of Culture of the Minsk Tractor Works hosted the Republic of Belarus Bodybuilding Championship. More than two hundred people from all over the country gathered for this representative tournament. For two days, judges selected the owner of the strongest and most beautiful body. Leaving no chance to rivals, the absolute champion of the Republic of Belarus was the senior firefighter of fire and rescue unit No. 3 of fire and rescue squad No. 1 at the facilities of OJSC "Naftan" and the Novopolotsk Thermal Power Plant of the Novopolotsk City Department for Emergency Situations, Ilya Lukovets. The firefighter himself spoke about how he achieved victory and what heights he plans to conquer.

— It all started in childhood, — recalls the rescuer. — My parents, amateur athletes (my mother played volleyball, my father was a boxer), instilled in me a love for sports from an early age. At the age of five, they took me to the swimming pool. Then — to the N.L. Genov Water Skiing School. Until the age of 15, I was seriously involved in this sport, went to competitions, became the European champion in the team event and a prize-winner in the individual standings. In high school, when I started preparing for university entrance exams, I had to leave my favorite hobby.

Working in the Ministry of Emergency Situations has always attracted a sporty and strong young man. He enrolled in the distance learning department at the Minsk Command Engineering Institute of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus and became a firefighter in his hometown. It was here that Ilya Lukovets returned to sports. But to a different kind...

— Initially, I just defended the honor of my unit at regional swimming competitions, participating in contests among rescue divers. Our team even became champions in this discipline. And then, in my free time, I started going to the "Sadko" Water Sports Palace, and joined the gym. That's where the bodybuilding coach Yuri Meleshko noticed me. He invited me to train, — says the young man. — At first, the idea seemed useless to me — there are many negative myths about bodybuilders and this sport in general. The competitions, to which I went with Yuri Albertovich as a spectator, changed my opinion, and then my life as a whole.

Literally a year later, the aspiring bodybuilder got himself into a shape that allowed him to participate in competitions. How many have there been already! Among the most memorable is the amateur tournament in Moscow, "Olympia," where he was recognized as the bronze medalist in the under 100 kilograms category. And, of course, the championships of the Republic of Belarus. He became the absolute champion of the country for the second time.

— Future plans include conquering international arenas and mastering the heaviest category — over 100 kilograms. There are many prestigious championships. Including the one organized by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the USA, — shares the Ministry of Emergency Situations employee.

Ilya recently got married. His wife is his support. Both at home and at competitions. She will meet him after his shift, help with his diet, go to the gym with him for company, and, of course, cheer him on wholeheartedly at the championship.

— Physical fitness, determination, resilience, endurance — all these qualities help me both at work and in the sports arena. The support and understanding of family, friends, and colleagues inspire new achievements. I am grateful to everyone!

Diana SIMONOVICH, "Vitbichi"