There’s not much information about Top 16, but many people want to participate in it. What do you think what is the attraction of this project?

These competitions are on a totally new level. Naturally, there are features that set it apart from the rest. The basic one is  magnitude. Strongest sportsmen were invited from all around the world. Another one is prizes. They are the highest of all currently existing.  Plus - a new scheme which integrates the principles of traditional armfighting system and Olympic playoffs.

Why did you agree to participate in the Top 16 project ?

I enrolled to win! This tournament will show who is the most powerful armwrestler in the world. Professional sportsmen have no interest in speaking about World or European Championships – they are banal and boring. And bring nothing.

Participating in a project nothing  is known about can be risky. Do you like risk?

In general, our whole life is a continuous risk. Who does not risk - does not live.

Is participation in Top 16 a reward? Is it an opportunity to promote oneself in armwrestling ?

Sure. Invitation to participate indicates your reputation, position and name in the armwrestling world.  Here are gathered the most famous and powerful sportsmen.

Do you think it is possible to replace Top16 with anything else?

At this stage – no. It’s unnecessary.

And in terms of the diversity of the competition, we want to believe that we will soon enter the Sport Accord. Then it will be possible to hold the competition for non-Olympic sports. It will be mini-Olympic games. I think many people will want to take part in it.

We have published a list of potential Top 16 participants. Do you think anyone is missing, or is unjustly there?

What about those who are not playing – I know that the organizers invited many wrestlers, but everyone has different life circumstances and different shape. This tournament requires thorough training and maybe someone has a contract with the employer and he cannot carve out the right time for workout. Fights will take place every month. Constant flights and adaptation... It's another thing when you have one tournament and you're ready for it.

How you see yourself among other participants?

Perfectly! I think that it will be fun and hot. And I'll try to maximize this opportunity.

Will Top 16 see the return of Alexey Voyevoda?
Alex is preparing for the 2014 Olympics. And then – anything can happen. Everything depends on him. Voyevoda is in good shape.

There are no weight classes at the Top 16. What do you think, is it fair?

Who cares how much one weighs? We choose the strongest!

Anastasia Kisilyova