An Interview with Oksana Grishina, Bodybuilder

My background was in rhythmic gymnastics. It’s a very beautiful and elegant sport that includes acrobatics, ballet, flexibility, and incredible coordination.

I fell in love with it, although it wasn’t exactly my type of sport. I had different genetics from the other girls, who were very skinny. In my case, even though I followed a very strict diet, I always had muscles and couldn’t change them. But I never gave up and got my Master of Sport degree faster than all my teammates, girls who had more potential than I did.

Gymnastics taught me not to give up, to be disciplined, to count on yourself only, and be independent.

I grew up in a military family, and we moved around a lot while my father served.

It wasn’t easy for me to change friends and schools all the time, but my family was always together, and we went through all the struggles and difficulties together.

I learned a lot from my parents about discipline and responsibilities, especially how to stay positive no matter what.

There are many memorable moments, but I particularly cherish the one in which I finished seventh in my first Olympia in 2007. I remember right after when we got into our hotel room, my friend texted Boris that I got first place in the routine round. We were acting like kids by screaming and jumping all over the room. We were so happy because that meant we were headed in the right direction, and the judges accepted me as I was.

Although I received a variety of feedback regarding my routines, I was certain of one thing: if I followed others’ lead or did what others wanted, I would never perform again because it wouldn’t be me. Also, I would lose the most crucial component of a performance: my soul, my desire, my creation, and myself.

Absolutely YES!

It’s hard to pick one; each competition is a different challenge. And with every show, you learn something new about yourself.

Of course, as an athlete, I have no excuses and must always eat clean, but it was not always this way.

From experience, I learned to listen to my body and love the clean eating lifestyle. It still surprises me that when I can eat something that is tasty but less healthy, I no longer want it. I work out 2-3 times a day, and I know I will feel mentally and physically bad and won’t want to go to the gym.

Everyone speaks about dieting and eating healthy, but few actually follow through. Try it for at least a few days, and you’ll see how good and energetic you feel. It’s about making choices, learning about your body, setting goals, and discipline.

2020 was undoubtedly the hardest year for everyone. There was a new platform to train, different floors, restrictions, etc.

The gym is 50 minutes from my home, but we were together in all this. Also, only a few people know that I created this routine three weeks before the 2020 Olympia!

I was preparing something different that I had worked hard on for so long, but as you know, because of COVID-19, the Olympia was moved to a new venue and wouldn’t allow us to do it.

Yes, it was a stressful time and extra work for me and even more stressful for the promoter, production, and the whole Olympia team to put on the greatest show, but WE DID IT!!!

I plan to compete in 2021, but it’s hard to say what shows, as COVID-19 is still here. In May, I’m promoting two shows in Russia, NPC Worldwide Regional in Moscow and IFBB Pro Qualifier in my home city Kaliningrad.

I’m thrilled about it and can’t wait to provide Russian athletes with a fantastic opportunity to obtain pro cards and join the IFBB Pro League.

Every sport requires sacrifice. Always remember one golden rule: to achieve any results in sports, you need to be able to sacrifice many things, such as time with friends or the second half, free time, etc.

Unfortunately, some people are struggling with this. It is not easy, but it will make you truly feel your ability to do something and develop the iron willpower. Without these, you can’t achieve anything in life. However, you will feel good when you realize that after all these past difficulties and inconveniences, you are capable of more than you thought.

Don’t wait to be pushed no matter what your passion or level you are at. Decide what you want, and go get it right now.

Believe in yourself. Do what you love to do with all your heart, and never give up!