Kazakh strongman from village outlines plans for new post

Earlier, it became known that well-known Kazakh strongman and famous Guinness World Records holder Sergey Tsyrulnikov had taken the post of vice president of the Kazakhstan Weightlifting Federation.

In an interview with a Tengri Sport correspondent, he spoke about how he intends to combine his usual “field” work with his new duties and what tasks he has set for himself in the near future.

According to Tsyrulnikov, he does not plan to give up trips to villages and meetings with young people.

“My path is not about words, but actions! All my life, I have proved through deeds that real change does not happen through words. I will continue to travel to villages, meet with young people, hold events, develop strength culture and represent Kazakhstan on the international stage. Office work is not a rejection of my path, but an opportunity to make it more effective,” Tsyrulnikov emphasized.

In the first 6–12 months, he plans to build an open dialogue with coaches, athletes and regional organizations in order to better understand existing problems. According to him, special attention will be paid to the development of youth weightlifting, strengthening the coaching staff and supporting young talent.

The paluan intends to use his experience of performing in more than 80 countries specifically to attract young people.

“I want to use this experience and recognition to bring even more young people into weightlifting. My task is to show that weightlifting is not just about lifting a barbell. It is discipline, character, willpower and a path to major victories. We must make this sport modern, interesting and prestigious for young people,” he noted.

Tsyrulnikov does not intend to give up personal records or performances. In his view, one should strengthen the other: every international performance is an additional opportunity to draw attention to Kazakh weightlifting and inspire a new generation.

He considers the biggest record for himself to be the growth in the number of children in sports sections and the success of Kazakh athletes on world podiums.

As for the federation’s current work, the new vice president emphasized that he did not come to undo what has already been done. His task is to support the existing work and strengthen it with his experience, authority and international connections.

Sergey Tsyrulnikov — Kazakh record holder from a village

Sergey Valeryevich Tsyrulnikov is a Kazakh athlete known for his strength records and performances on the international stage.

He was born on April 3, 1985, in the village of Novokubanka in Shortandy District, Akmola Region.

Sergey Tsyrulnikov is a seven-time Guinness World Records holder.

He also has several world and national records in strength exercises, including bending horseshoes, breaking chains, hammering nails with his hand and other extreme feats. His performances, including on America’s Got Talent, have gained wide recognition.

At his latest performance at the Guinness World Records show in Milan, Italy, the paluan broke three Guinness World Records: he straightened 14 horseshoes in 57 seconds, burst nine hot water bottles using lung power and hammered 19 nails into frying pans with his bare hands.

In a conversation with a Tengrinews.kz correspondent, Sergey said he had been ready to set 10 records at once, but the organizers stopped him and said they wanted to continue working with him in the future.