We know that you are training in “Ottawa High hooker”. What is an approach and specification of armwrestling in Canada and in your club especially? Can you call it as a mass and accessible sport?

The armwrestlers in Canada аnd within our team are very passionate about the sport. This is not only just about practice it's a great social gathering as well. The guys and girls are very committed to the sport. Even though we like to have fun we take armwrestling very seriously.

The sport is more accessible than ever nowadays. But generally if you don't want to travel it's hard to find training partners. I find it's just one of those things you have to have interest in and force yourself to try to become better at it. After that part of your soul and you can't live without it.

I'm actually part of two clubs now there's the Ottawa Valley High hookers which is about close 2 hours drive away and now there is the Valley High hookers who are in my home town of Pembroke. As for the actual numbers I'm not entirely sure. Both teams have many pullers that come and go but I would say for of each teams it's about 8 - 10 guys who are very committed.

What are your workouts built in? Do you train with free weights or with machines, blocs or just pull?

Primarily I go to other people's houses for practice. I do spend some time in the gym where my 2 sons train for MMA.

The workouts I do are usually mostly recovery based. If I haven't been able to train as much as I'd like on a table or if I am getting ready for a big match I will do armwrestling specific training at the gym.

I mostly use free weights focusing on static holds with heavier wait. But I also use the cable machine for some exercises as well as band work.

When I have a big competition coming up I do the same type of training just harder and for a longer period of time. I also incorporate gym work with heavy weight as well.

Can you compare a level of European and Canadian/American sport? How do you think, what is the difference?

It's tough to compare European and Canadian armwrestlers. There is a great talent everywhere around the globe. Whether it's genetics, commitment level or just plain skill – I don't know. European, Canadian, American – there's different level pullers everywhere. As well as many elite pullers in each country. I like to think that the majority of armwrestlers are very good sportsmen. It's the only sport I know that someone will beat you in a match and then afterwards explain what you could have done better or different. As for competition the US and Europe hold the biggest most extravagant events I've ever seen. Now as for Canada we have big more hometown events that are equally as amazing but a total different feel. With less flash but more heart. As for the refereeing I believe Europe and Canada are the leaders having some of the best most disciplined refs. The US has very good referees as well but I find generally speaking they are much more relaxed with following the rules.

Do you like to take part in international (especially European) tournaments? Last year you came to Zloty Tur alone, why?

I love the international events I haven't completed in too many of them but win or lose I always feel welcome. Zloty Tur in Poland was by far the best event I have ever been to. Very professional and what an amazing team was running the tournament.

I did attend Zloty Tur alone.

To be perfectly honest with you it's because most don't have that kind of money to attend. I also was under the impression that it was an invitational tournament so I think others may think the same.

How do you think, is it necessary to divide armwrestling to professional and amateur?

Yes, I think it is necessary to divide armwrestlers to professional and amateur divisions. The main reason is that I believe that new armwrestlers need to have an opportunity to pull people closer to their level. There's the obvious reason like to avoid injuries but I think it's also important for them not to get too discouraged. Not too many people would be in the sport for too long if every time they competed they just got smashed.

Are you watching for Vendettas? Who do you want to fight with?

Yes it's very important for me to stay in touch with who is beating who at Vendettas. Now that I have competed at one of them I understand the level of the event and have much more respect for it.

Yes I would love to be part of the future of armwrestling. Whether I can still armwrestle or not. Previously I've put on armwrestling tournaments at schools and community centers. The Kids love it. It's the only sport that I know that short. Of time you can improve drastically with very little training. The best way I can think of to make this sport grow is start bringing it into schools. Schools need to understand that it's a safe, similar to a combat sport but still safe. When more people start getting involved in the sport and loving it like I do the popularity of it will go through the roof.

There are many great competitors that I would love to have the opportunity to beat. But unfortunately I'm in a situation where I am NOT able to armwrestle anymore. I haven't told too many people about this yet so I will give you the exclusive. Anyone who has followed my armwrestling career knows that something has been up with me the past year. I'm not saying that I would have won my last few events but I do think would have made a great difference. The end of my bone is broken on both of my elbows. I've been directed by my doctor to not armwrestle anymore. I will need surgery to repair them. Currently I can technically armwrestle but not without a great deal of pain and the possibility of severely injuring myself further.

This injury happened almost a year ago but didn't start affecting me seriously until just recently. Not that it would have made a difference but due to these injuries there were places I couldn't go during a match such as the press position or anything to do with side pressure. Generally I just found that armwrestling with a lot more painful for me and I didn't seem to be able to compete at the level I once did. Moving forward I need to have a discussion with my doctor about the best course of action for me. But it looks like either way I won't be able to compete for quite a long time or maybe ever again. It hurts me to even say this! I've been armwrestling for so many years and it's been such a big part of my life. To give it up is almost unimaginable for me. But I will try to be involved in the sport still as much as possible helping train some of my teammates and attending the odd tournament just to see everyone once again.

What are your predictions for next Vendetta?

Bresnan, Chapukhyan, Trubin and Miller are my pics for this Vendetta. I do think all these matches will be very close though. These are definitely top pullers in this sport. They're definitely going to be exciting. I can't wait to see them. Wish I could be there to watch them live!

Anastasia Kisilyova