A sequence of the interviews with Arm Ladies is prepared in order to popularize more beautiful part of our sport. It’s much different in Armwrestling than in tennis. There women play much worse than men, but how they look like... (It’s my opinion). In Armwrestling girls not only fight impressively, they are also very pretty. If anyone says that my attitude is sexist or maybe even “male” then pay for my GENDER studies (sexual identity), at the University of the Third Age!
Today I’m talking with Latvian Champion - Zanna Cingule!
Hello, when and how did your Armwrestling adventure started?
Zanna: My uncle brought me to my first training in 2001. His name is Dzintars and he was the FIRST from our country who got medal at Europeans, in 1997. I train from October 2001.
Who’s your sparring and training partner?
Zanna: I train with champions - Normunds Tomsons and Janis Amolins.
It’s truly hard to find better partners. So how often do you train?
Zanna: I practice try to train 4 times a week, but sometimes its 2 and sometimes its 5. I can train only in my free days, because of job.
So what’s your job?
Zanna: I am a machine attendant… My working day is 20 hours long.
Oh my God! What kind of machine are you operating? [Dear Readers! In my mind’s eye I saw our Champion in some laboratory, where you enter through some sterile zone once for 48h.
I had to asked her for the details.
Zanna: It’s a Casino slot machine
And so I could breathe a sigh of relief! We can only envy her such a job. So how does your typical week look like?
Zanna: Typical week… Work, work, work… And at free days I do my best do manage attending at training. Armwrestling is an expensive hobby so I work more than do Armwrestling.
Tell us about your family? Are you married? Have you got children?
Zanna: Family is simple... no husband, no kids.
What’s the best in our sport in your opinion?
Zanna: The best in sport is to WIN. When you stand on first place podium and hear your anthem - that is the BEST feeling you can get! As a sportsman I have been in REALLY many countries. Actually my friends and family see only one positive thing in this sport - seeing new places.
What are your plans for incoming season?
Zanna: Going to Brazil to Worlds and win a gold medal. I took a credit to go! So I have to be back with gold. May be I take part in NEMIROFF 2012.
I’ll now ask you a question which I always ask every women practicing Armwrestling. Do you ever fight with men just for fun? I’m of course not asking about sparrings.
Zanna: Sure I do! I compete with guys for money! Sometimes I work at parties, where really many men arm wrestle with me in a row. Most of the times I win, but usually from 50 men there are 1 - 2 who can win me, OR maybe I am already tired.
What do you do to relax?
Zanna: Going to country side or cinema relaxes me.
Do you have a hobby?
Zanna: I got only one hobby - expensive Armwrestling. And I start to think I am not motivated to be in Armwrestling much longer. I have to cover my ALL expenses if I attend at Worlds and Europeans… So I think this hobby is a little bit too expensive. Sorry, but I am pessimistic at the moment …
Attention Dear Readers!
What could your bold, old editor do with such an ending of the conversation? The only thing remained was to prove my knowledge of Ladies’ Soul and get to counter! So I asked her, or maybe rather suggested that…
Zanna, it’s easy! When you're done with Armwrestling - you will have much more money and time. So…
And do I heard what I wanted to hear:
Zanna: I wish I wouldn’t have to finish Armwrestling, because it’s already a part of my life.
Thank you for saying it! In the name of all readers I wish you gold in Brazil and see you at NEMIROFF. Hope to talk more of our costly hobby!
Zanna: Best wishes to all Friends, Fans and Readers.
PeSzy