How did you get interested in bodybuilding/working out?

When I first entered a gym 16 years ago I didn't know much about lifting weights. A friend of mine, who struggled with weight loss, went to a gym. She told me a lot about a progress she was making since she'd started working out. Since I wasn't happy with the way I looked, I decided to check that out too. A trainer at that gym named Urey Kapustnick was preparing a several girls for upcoming bodybuilding show. Once I went to see the contest and found the muscle display both beautiful and artistic. Later on Urey asked me if I wanted to compete someday. I didn't hesitate a moment and we started working out right away. In six months I did my first show - the Ukrainian Championship and I won.

How was your first show like, any interesting experiences?

It was pretty small show with 4 to 5 competitors in the weight class. The level of competition wasn't very high. I was so small around 112 lbs. If there was a figure class at that time I would fit pretty good in the group.

What do you like and dislike about competing?

What I like about competing is that it teaches you discipline and keeps you motivated to work hard towards accomplishing your goal. What I don't like about competing is dieting. With my slow metabolism I have to diet really hard to get myself in a supper condition.

What are your future goals in this industry?

I think in this industry I've achieved everything I could. All I want to do just stay fit and healthy and help to the other people to get in shape.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

It's hard to tell what is going to happen in 10 years but it is definitely going to be related to health industry.

Any additional notes? People you would like to thank?

I'd like to thank Bodybuilding.com for all their support in my preparation to 2004 Ms.Olympia

Competition History:

-2004 Ms. Olympia (light weight) - 8th place
-2003 Ms. International (light weight) - 5th
-2002 Ms. Olympia (light weight) - 2nd
-2002 GNC Show of strength - 1st
-2001 Ms. Olympia (heavy weight) - 4th
-2000 Ms. Olympia (heavy weight) - 1st and OVERALL
-2000 Jan Tana Pro Classic (middle weight) - 1st
-1999 Ms. Olympia - 12th
-1999 Jan Tana Pro Classic - 3rd
-1998 Ms. Olympia - 12th
-1997 IFBB World Championships (middle weight) - 1st place and the overall
-1997 IFBB Europe Championships (middle weight) - 1st
- 1988-1997 Ukrainian Championships - 1st place in the middle weight and the overall