Interview with bodybuilder Jiri Cermak, who dominated Arnold Classic Europe 2021!

In this interview we will focus on the life of professional bodybuilder Jiri Cermak, who recently won his first professional competition Arnold Classic Europe 2021 in the weight category up to 95kg! At 45 years of age, Jiri proved that although he was born in 1976 and thus belongs to the veterans, he still has a lot to offer. However, he also showed this at the aforementioned Arnold, where he literally took our breath away with his form. Let's now move on to the interview, where we delve into Jirkov's life.

Hi, Jirka. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on behalf of our entire Kulturistika.com team for winning gold at the Arnold Classic Europe 2021

Thank you very much.

If I'm not mistaken, it was your first pro competition. How was it for you?

As far as progression in training goes, there's been no change. Maybe just a little more responsibility to not embarrass myself the first time.

Did you think you could win your category?

I had no idea, I didn't think about the result at all, I was just interested in doing everything 100% and posing calmly.

You returned to the race boards in 2018 - why did you quit before and why did you come back?

That was one second and it was decided. I told myself that I would take back the third World Championship that we were denied by the state in 2005 and I did it with interest because I won.

When did you turn pro?

In 2019 when I won the Diamond Cup in Romania.

How long did it take you to get your pro card?

I've been racing since I was 18, I've been through everything from junior. I won everything I could, I won the Grand Prix Opava, the International Championship of Switzerland and a bunch of other cups and of course the Czech Championship, the Czech Republic Championship both in juniors and men. In 2003 I tried for a nomination to the World Championships and in Mumbai, India I finished sixth in the under 80kg category with 28 competitors. A year later at the World Championships in Moscow I was 8th. In 2005 we were not allowed to compete at the World Championships in Sangai and then I took a 14 year break.

How did you get into bodybuilding?

I was doing athletics since I was a kid and at 18 I came to the gym and it was a no-brainer.

Are you planning any more competitions this year?

It depends if something appears on the calendar - there's the Diamond Cup in Prague on 25 September, Mr.Universe a week after that, but everything is in the open category so it's hard for us little guys.

In the time you've been training and competing, how do you perceive the change in bodybuilding as such?

The average at the Czech National Championships is worse and our top among the pros is much better. And the number of competitors in other categories has increased many times over, but I'm a pure bodybuilder, so it's not much for me. The number of people who are constantly filming and taking pictures is also bigger, and it's hard to walk through the gym without getting in someone's shot (laughs).

You put interesting posts on Instagram that you don't see much in bodybuilders - nature, bees, forest, cutting down trees, planting vegetables, etc... Do you work on a farm?

My girlfriend and I have created a natural farm where everything is minimally farmed and left to nature as much as possible. It's for our daughter and her offspring to be able to have purely natural food without mindless effort in harmony with nature and also a beautiful place to live, their own Garden of Eden.

How did you manage to combine it with bodybuilding, because people often imagine that a bodybuilder just eats and exercises?

It just kind of works itself out, we're definitely not slaving away. You're not allowed to work on our farm, only create when you want to.

How many more years do you want to compete?

Like Dexter Jackson, so until 50 for sure (laughs).

Do you have any wards under you as well? And who's in charge of you?

My training is under the supervision of legendary legend Pavol Jablonicke, no more need be said.

What about your daughter, will she also go down the exercise and racing path?

I'd sure like her to play sports. She will choose her own sport, I will definitely not push her into anything, but I will support her as much as possible.

What is your final message to our readers and those who will read this interview?

Thank you for your support to all those who cheer and wish me well.