Why a Cameroonian moved to Russia 20 years ago

Patrick Karl Fokam is a world champion in armlifting, a five-time CIS champion in strength extreme sports and a general winner in boxing, judo and MMA competitions. But, in Crimea, where he has lived and worked for 10 years, everyone knows him simply as ‘Big Patrick’. He runs his own school at a hotel in the city of Alushta, where he trains both children and adults.

Parents’ aspirations?

Patrick Karl Fokam with one of his students.

Patrick says he was born big and active and always wanting to climb somewhere. His older brother took him to a gym where he practiced everything at once – karate, aikido, judo and swimming.

When he was in his first year at a Cameroonian institute, his parents suggested that he study abroad. His sisters and brothers (there are nine children in the family!) had already moved to Europe and the U.S. But, his parents decided that Patrick should study in Russia.

“I liked Russia right away, even though it was the early 2000s and things were still very difficult. It was especially challenging for me, because I arrived without knowing the language at all.”

‘Big Patrick’ during a training session.

His first destination in Russia was Tula Region, 200 kilometers south of Moscow. There, Patrick began to study at the Novomoskovsk Technological Institute, majoring in automation and mechanical engineering. Later, he also studied management.

The institute had strict Russian language teachers and Patrick always took his studies seriously. He read a lot and still knows Alexander Pushkin’s poem ‘I Recall the Wondrous Moment’ by heart. 

“When you speak Russian, you constantly have to think about the endings, so your brain is always working and your mind becomes sharper,” he says.

He never worked in his field of study, because he almost immediately started pursuing sports professionally and competing in tournaments. At the same time, he worked at a gym.

Sports, children & moves

Patrick’s first Russian coach invited him to train for free. At his very first competition in Novomoskovsk, the Cameroonian became champion in strength extreme sports. Then, a personal tragedy struck, as Patrick’s father passed away. With no more financial support from home, he had to find work and build connections.

Patrick with his wife and kids.

While still a student, he met his future wife. “I saw her on the street a few times, approached her, but she refused to get acquainted. One day, during a holiday, I went up to her and said, ‘Let’s not date, why don’t we go straight to the registry office?’ And she gave in!”

Now, the Cameroonian is 51 years old and has five children. “People joke: what kind of gang is this? But I’m filled with pride, as they’re all mine! The oldest daughter is 23 (and Patrick already has a grandson), while the youngest son is 10.”

Due to work, Patrick and his family moved several times. Since 2015, they’ve lived in Crimea. He worked in various cities and has now settled in Alushta.

Big Patrick with his grandson, the son of his eldest daughter.

“The sea is my element. The sea takes away your worries and anxieties and gently fills you with strength. That’s why I chose Crimea. I will always try to live near the sea. Here, I am happy!”

Has the Cameroonian become Russian?

How a Cameroonian became an ‘Afro-Ossetian’ in Russia

Once, Patrick fought a Russian in the ring. As soon as the battle ended, his opponent came up and said, “If you ever need anything, just call.” 

“I remember calling home after that fight: Mom, if they’re angry, they can destroy the world, but they’ll also be the first to come to the rescue and rebuild it.”

Patrick lives like an ordinary person in Russia: he loves fishing and cooks borsch and ‘kholodets’ (aspic) for New Year’s himself. He admits he’s grateful to the country where he lives. 

“Russia has given me everything: a wife, a family, sports, work and wisdom!”

The full version of the interview is available in Russian on the website of the ‘Nation’ magazine.