Former Muscle Mountain Man Nikita Now Raises Kids in 'Sprīdītis' - From Weightlifting to Whipping Up Fun

Unusual things are happening in Liepāja - a man who once lifted everything he could possibly lift is now trying to lift children's attention at 'Sprīdītis' kindergarten. Nikita, former 'Mr. Universe' and 'Liepāja Classic' winner, has discovered that toddlers are a tougher opponent than any barbell.

Covid turned out to be not just a health crisis, but also a catalyst for life reassessment. While everyone in Riga sat at home crying about closed gyms, our Nikita realized that life needs more than just muscles. He discovered creativity within himself, which, as he says, hides in every Liepāja resident. Well yes, we're all artists here - one plays guitar on the tram, another draws on Karosta walls.

Particularly touching is the story of how Nikita met his wife Dana at a 2013 metal music festival. Dana was walking around with dreadlocks back then, and Nikita liked her openness. Now Dana has moved from Riga to Liepāja and found a good job in IT. As always - people live in Riga, but live happily in Liepāja.

Now Nikita works at the Maritime College and 'Sprīdītis' kindergarten. He admits that children are more complex than adults - with adults you only need discipline, but with children you have to be able to capture attention. As one kindergarten teacher says: 'If Nikita can hold a three-year-old's attention, he can do anything.' Maybe the next title will be 'Mr. Kindergarten'.