Anastasia, how did you meet Taras?

We met in 2002. I was 17 and came to the gym to visit an armwrestling coach. I wanted to fight and take part in competitions. Taras has practiced there for a long time, he had a lot of titles and prizes. So I knew him. Not personally, but I heard of him. In 2003 we started dating and that was the beginning of our story. In fact, since then I stopped seeing myself as an armwrestler, because Taras said that in our family only one should wrestle. Him. And that was right. Now I work as a shop assistant in the gift shop and do not regret leaving armwrestling.

Do you accompany your husband to competitions?

No, I don’t. I have another goal – to raise our daughter. I went with Taras two or three times, but it was in Ukraine, not abroad. The biggest sport event for which my husband and I traveled together, was the Ivakin vs Brzenk armfight, which was held in Yalta in 2007. But it is in the past. Now I sit at home and wait for the news from my husband.

Are you jealous of armwrestling’s place in your husband’s life?

No, I am not. It’s pointless. A leopard can’t change his spots! (laughs). Frankly, I often tell him, "Stop, you proved everything to everyone already". Once it even seemed he heard me, he even stopped fighting for four years. And now he’s decided to return. And I'm actually glad because armwrestling – is the moment that gives him pleasure.

How is it – to be close to a champion?

He is a champion at the armwrestling table, but at home – he’s a loving husband and father. But... let's be honest – it's nice!

Do you want your children to become armwrestlers in future?

With Taras we have one child – Elizaveta. She is studying dance at school but not professionally. Taras has a son from his first marriage - Georgiy, he enjoys football. Will our children do armwrestling? Hard to answer. Dad will definitely be against it. But if they decide to do it, no one will stop them.

Who cooks in your family?

I do. Taras doesn’t like to. And let's be honest – he does not know how.

What hobby do you have and what does your husband do in his free time?

I do not have a hobby, I just don’t have enough time for it. And Taras... Previously he was interested in models of tanks, but now he has grown up, probably, and threw this thing away (laughs). We spend our leisure time mostly with our daughter; she is studying in the third grade, so she needs help with her homework. And when there are no chores, we rest, depending on the family budget. Often we go outside, especially in spring – Taras loves it.

Now Taras wants to come back to armsport. How do you think he will do? How do you see the professional future of your husband?

If Taras decides to return – he will. And his sport future depends only on him! I'll always be around and support him at the right time. I think Taras will do his best because he has a lot of experience and I know how strong his spirit is.

Artur Grigorian © Gra