Kazlų Rūda, Lithuania – Mantas Varaška, the mayor of Kazlų Rūda, recently completed a remarkable physical challenge, achieving a modern Lithuanian record for continuous “bicycle crunches,” also known as “suktuko” in Lithuanian. The feat was undertaken as a demonstration of physical and mental fortitude, and in solidarity with Ukraine.
Varaška addressed his community prior to the attempt, seeking support for the challenge. “Hello. On February 23rd, I seek to test my strength and set a Lithuanian record for the ‘suktuko’ in time – 500, 1000, and 1500 repetitions. This will take 2-2.5 hours. It won’t be easy. I really need your support, my FB friends, especially the residents of Kazlų Rūda. Each of you coming to the Sports Center will be another motivation for me to do it,” Varaška wrote on Facebook.
On February 23rd, Varaška successfully completed 1460 repetitions in 1 hour and 37 minutes, setting a new national record. He dedicated the accomplishment to Ukraine, noting that the number of repetitions symbolized the four years of ongoing conflict in the country. “Today I achieved the Lithuanian ‘suktuko’ record: 1460 in 1:37 hours. This is the number of days of the four years of war in Ukraine. Героям слава,” he posted on social media.
Speaking on February 25th, the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russian war against Ukraine, Varaška elaborated on the experience. He acknowledged the challenge was significant, but emphasized the importance of the cause driving him forward. This type of demonstration highlights the connection between physical well-being and broader social concerns.
“Today, the material on the ‘suktuko’ achievement (1460/1:37 hours) has been submitted to the Lithuanian agency. I have no doubt that someone will improve it in the future, but that’s what records are for. For me personally, it was an interesting life test. It combined a test of will, proof of the body’s capabilities, disregard for age, and solidarity with Ukraine,” Varaška stated.
He further described the physical strain he endured, particularly after completing 1000 repetitions. “It wasn’t easy, especially after 1000 repetitions. A lot of different pains, cramps. I didn’t anticipate the friction of my knees. The last few hundred were done ‘on the flesh.’ But it only lasted an hour and a half, and that’s insignificant compared to someone’s suffering in war for months or years.”
Varaška reflected on the importance of perseverance. “I could have stopped and not achieved the goal, looked for excuses. But then I wouldn’t be a man and wouldn’t respect the people who helped me, the people who gathered in the hall. An athlete may not be first, but he MUST finish the distance. Perhaps this is a certain incentive for myself and others – to do what you have to and can, not to give up. Thank you to everyone who helped make this achievement happen,” he wrote, sharing moments from the event on social media.
