Girls in sport get mixed feelings from men. Some say that muscle-bound arms and a six-pack makes a girl look manly. Others think the opposite – that muscled girls are sexy. Marina has long ago established her priorities. Sport has become a way of life for her, and her drive to success allowed her great achievements in short time.

Marina, what has brought you to the gym?

One day I just went with friends to a gym. What, and who I saw there, turned out to be a life-changing event. I couldn’t stop thinking about sport – the gym I went to was a club where most people were professionals. I couldn’t help but to admire their drive, their energy and spirit. I soaked up that atmosphere and couldn’t live without it anymore, so I decided to compete myself.

When did you first compete?

In the Ukrainian Championships. My discipline is bikini fitness, very female, but also quite demanding physically. You need to be able to lift big weights, so it pays to have a strong body, and a strong mind. I had very little time to prepare, but I couldn’t let it pass me by. I trained twice as hard as the others, I took 4^th place out of 30 contestants in the Ukrainian Cup, and on the next such event – I already had bronze! Now my goal is Arnold Classis – a dream of mine. Just to compete there is a great achievement.

How did you get to an armwrestling contest?

It was the World Cup in Poland.

I went there as a representative for the FitMax company supplements. I was very happy to meet some of the world’s greatest armwrestlers. I liked the sport instantly, and some of the Ukrainian girls even taught me some technique – so soon there will be another contestant in armwrestling! (laughs).

Do you stick to a diet?

A good diet is one of the main components of a beautiful body. I consume mainly protein, which allows me to stay in shape, even off-season.

How often do you work out?

Three times a week – that’s enough to keep fit and make progress. I love abs workout, and I always try to target the less-developed muscle groups.

Do you have time for a man in your life?

My heart is free! Despite being a constantly in the center of men’s attention, I haven’t yet found the right one. It’s not easy, being with a girl who spends most of her life at a gym. I need a sportsman in my life, so that we have a mutual understanding and support.

New Year’s Quiz:

Your favorite dish: Duck in applesauce

Christmas tree – real or artificial? REAL

What was the best present you got for New Year? THE MEETING OF THE WHOLE FAMILY

What’s your favorite New Year’s movie? “HOME ALONE”

Where and how do you like to celebrate the New Year’s Eve? AT HOME WITH FAMILY

I wish all the best in New Year to all the armwrestling fans and contestants – many achievements, victories and great events!

Artur Grigorian @ Gra