We present to you the first of article of a “Champions’ other halves” series. We know a lot about accomplished armwrestlers, but little is known about their wives and girlfriends. What is Rustam Babayev’s life like, outside of the gym and away from the table? What’s it like to live with a champion?

Elina, how have you and Rustam met?

We knew each other since we were kids. We lived close to one another, hung out with the same people. You could say we grew up together.

So love came by surprise?

It wasn’t love at first sight. For a long time we just talked, I watched him, saw something new in him every day. I felt safe and comfortable next to him. One day I just realized, I couldn’t imagine life without him.

When did you realize that Rustam was great material for an armwrestler?

We’ve been together right from the start of Rustam’s career. Since his first tournament in Moscow you could see the guy’s got a great future ahead of him.

What’s it like, living with a champion?

It’s easy, because to me he’s not only a great sportsman, but also a loving husband. And the greatest father to our kids.

Do you always accompany him to the biggest events?

I went with him to a couple tournaments, the Ukrainian Championship and to the Nemiroff in 2009. But I prefer to wait for him at home, when he returns a champion.

Are you jealous at all of his sportsman’s life?

No, not at all. Thanks to him I started working out myself. We’re a sports family

Would you like to get into armwrestling yourself?

No, we already have one Master in our family, capital M! Rustam says I could try, but I don’t have the right kind of mind to enter tournaments. I train for myself only.

How did you react to Rustam being disqualified?

It was sad news, but life is life, you need to live in the now and look to the future.

How many children do you have, and what do they do?

We have two sons. Yuri, the older one, is 13 and works out with his dad. Tamir is 3 years old and goes to dance classes.

Would you like your kids to get into armwrestling?

I will always give support to my children, whichever sport they choose. It’s important to me for them to become good people, for us to be proud of them.

Could you describe Rustam’s character? What do you like about him, and what bothers you sometimes.

Despite him being a multiple champion of Europe and the world, he’s just a very, very, VERY nice guy. He’s very friendly and outgoing, you can always depend on him. He loves to hang out with friends. His only drawback is that he’s not romantic at all!

What does Rustam do in his free time?

He seldom has free time, and when he does he tries to put it to good use. He often meets with friends. And of course, he never forgets his family (laughs).

Who’s the head of the house?

Rustam is my rock. There is no ruler in our house to dictate the rules, we always decide together.

Who does the cooking in your house?

Rustam doesn’t cook. He can fry an egg and prepare płow (Uzbek traditional specialty) for holidays. But mainly I do the cooking. And, of course, he doesn’t mind.

What is Rustam’s hobby, aside from armwrestling?

He likes pole fishing and being outdoors. And he loves being with friends.

We’d like to remind you that Rustam Babayev has been disqualified after this year’s European Championships for using controlled substances. This is a great loss for the world of armwrestling.

Artur Grigorian @ Gra