Irina Makeeva –determined, self-confident with a smile on her face. She’s pretty, strong.. Well, what else can I add to this list? Quite a lot in fact.

Eleven times world champion. Seventeen times European champion. The winner at Russian Open A1 in right hand open. Apart from that Irina was chosen the best female athlete of Russia five times in a row (since 2008 to 2012).

She completes three university degrees. Now she works as an armwrestling trainer. Apart from that she is also engaged in public and political activities. Not only is she a member of the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Western Ossetia Alania, but she is also a chairperson of the Committee for public relations and information policy.

Hello Irina, how’s your preparation? Will you defend your two gold medals in the 80kg cat. won at previous European Championships?

Irina Makeeva: Hello readers of armpower.net! Of course, I’m going to Lithuania to defend my titles successfully.

Are you afraid of any of your rivals? I mean Natalia Gurziva and Heidi Andersson? Or maybe there’s a new opponent?

Irina: Let me put it this way – I’m not afraid of any rival. I believe in myself and I’m self-confident about my abilities. I respect all my rivals.

Have you introduced any changes into your workouts?

Irina: I haven’t changed anything in my training programme, except for the exercises that I cannot do any more, because of my injury.

What are your expectations about this year’s championships?

Irina: Firs of all, I expect many nice, fair play and exciting matches. I’m also looking forward to seeing my friends. Armwrestlers are like a big family, where everyone likes and respects each other. We’re proud of one another. Whenever I come to tournaments, I really enjoy meeting my friends, not only those from my Russian team, but from all over the world.

What about your national team? Will you be as strong as last time?

Irina: Of course! During the Championship of Russia, held in March, the best from the best in each category were chosen to defend the glory of Russia in Lithuania. I’m convinced that we’ll win the team competition. Russia will be the best.

Thank you for the interview. See you in Lithuania!

Irina: Best regards, see you there!