Polish strongman Mateusz Kieliszkowski’s return to competition has hit a bump. He was scheduled to compete at the 2024 Europe’s Strongest Man event in Leeds, UK, on April 13, 2024, but it seems that will not come to pass.
Kieliszkowski announced on his Instagram page on April 1, 2024, that he had withdrawn from the contest due to an injury to his Achilles tendon. Unfortunately, despite the announcement date, he assured his fans that it was not an April Fool’s prank; he would not be able to compete. See his statement below:
Kieliszkowski made his mark in the international strongman competition between 2015 and 2019. He placed second at World’s Strongest Man in 2018 and again in 2019, cementing his position as one of the strongest athletes in the world.
However, disaster struck soon after. Kieliszkowski suffered a triceps injury, compelling his withdrawal from the 2020 World’s Strongest Man, and had to undergo surgery. Ensuing complications and subsequent re-injury at the same site led to him missing key competitions in 2020 and 2021. He did not compete in 2022, allowing time to heal properly.
Kieliskowski’s return in 2023 began well. He scored a second-place finish at the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic but then faltered when he was eliminated in the group stage for the first time in his career at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man contest.
In 2024, Kieliszkowski finally seemed to be in good shape. He performed well at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic, winning the Stone Medley and claiming second place overall. Unfortunately, the comeback ended early when he injured his Achilles tendon in training.
There’s nothing to complain about because I have chosen this path myself. I’m aware that injuries and health problems are part of the sport at this level.
Kieliszkowski said in his post that it wasn’t clear when it happened or if he had torn the tendon completely or partially, but he was struggling to walk without pain so he suspended training and competing. He will miss the 2024 Europe’s Strongest Man and 2024 World’s Strongest Man.
This is another huge setback for Kieliszkowski and fans of the sport. There’s no doubt that, when fully fit, he can challenge at the highest level. However, fans must wait a little longer to see him return at full strength.
Featured image: @kieliszkowskimateusz on Instagram
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