Mateusz Kieliszkowski withdrew from the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic, just 3 days before the start. He was definitely a candidate for a podium finish but will miss out. Even though he is just 28-years-old, Mateusz’s injuries have stopped him from accomplishing something incredibly impressive throughout his career multiple times. Firstly, his tricep injury left him out of the 2020 WSM, and now he cannot compete for the record prize money in the 2022 ASC.
The news of Mateusz Kieliszkowski’s withdrawal came from a Strongman promoter called Julian Howard. Julian stated that he got a private message, which revealed that Mateusz Kieliszkowski will not compete. He also revealed that Mateusz had damaged his hip and suffered a urinary tract infection. These two setbacks have apparently corrupted Mateusz Kieliszkowski’s training for the ASC, and would hinder his performance as well. However, the current American Log Lift Record Holder, Bobby Thompson, will take his place at the 2022 ASC.
Instagram post courtesy of Julian Howard, “World’s Strongest Fan”
@kieliszkowskimateusz will now not be competing at the Arnold Strongman Classic this weekend!
He has damaged his hip and has a urinary tract infection which has hindered his training.
Related: Polish Strongman Mateusz Kielz. Litfs an INSANE 478lbs Stone To Shoulder
Updated 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic Roster
- Bobby Thompson (USA)
- Martins Licis (USA)
- JF Caron (CAN)
- Evgeny Markov (RUS)
- Oleksii Novikov (UKR)
- Rob Kearney (USA)
- Luke Stoltman (GBR)
- Tom Stoltman (GBR)
- Trey Mitchell (USA)
- Maxime Boudreault (CAN)
Mateusz is an extremely powerful athlete, and a lot of Strongman fans expect him to become World’s Strongest Man at some point. However, following his tricep injury before the 2020 WSM, Mateusz did not manage to get into the shape that is needed for winning the most prestigious competitions. With a lot of rehab and therapy, Mateusz got back to practice. And after taking part in a few competitions, he started slowly improving. In 2021, Mateusz came second in the WUS Dubai and finished in fourth place at the 2021 Rogue Strongman Invitational.
He clearly just needed to dial in his preparation, and he would be a top contender for the 2022 ASC. In addition, his training snippets, which he posted on Instagram, made it look like he was finally back. Just 4 days ago, Mateusz displayed a 125 kg overhead dumbbell press, which he did with ease. However, it seems like we will have to wait longer until we get to see a fully prepared and healthy Mateusz Kieliszkowski.
Mateusz’s withdrawal is definitely an enormous blow for the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic lineup. Especially because two more athletes could miss out on the competition as well. The two athletes are Oleksii Novikov and Evgeny Markov, whose countries are involved in the Ukrainian war. They have released no official participation statements, so we will have to wait and see.
Related: Mateusz Kieliszkowski Gets Victory At 2019 World’s Ultimate Strongman Competition
Mateusz Kieliszkowski has already grabbed a podium finish in the Arnold Strongman Classic, as he placed second in 2020. Furthermore, throughout his career, he also placed 2nd in the 2018 and 2019 WSM competitions, and has won multiple elite Strongman competitions.
Hopefully, the setbacks which Mateusz is facing won’t last long, and he will get the chance to continue his season as planned. His primary goal is to win the World’s Strongest Man competition, and if he gets back to his best, the 2022 WSM could be a great chance for him. Mateusz is currently in his prime years, and it is a shame we don’t get to see him compete that often.
