Oksana Grishina stops by to share share her thoughts on the 2013 Fitness International. She’s had one of the most entertaining routines of the Arnold Classic weekend and finished in the runner-up position. It’s been a long, hard fought road for Oksana to reach the top of the Fitness ranks and while many of her fans might be calling foul over her placing, she’s nothing but grateful.
Oksana Grishina After the Arnold!
View photos of Oksana’s routine here.
Hi fans and friends!!!
This was an amazing weekend for me! I promised to all of you that I would do my best, and I did just that. I did what I wanted to do. I did what I had to do. I made a promise to myself that I would nail my performance, that I would fully master this new character, which was so emotionally hard, and that I would complete all the elements of my routine strongly and cleanly. All of the months of hard work really paid off for my very important two minutes on stage. This is what makes me happy, and a second place finish at the Arnold Classic is icing on the cake! It’s so great when you have a goal, work so hard, and everything goes as planned!
This performance was particularly hard for me. Throughout my prep, this character took a long time to figure out. On the day of the performance, I needed several hours to prepare and get into character. Backstage, when I had finished my makeup, I knew I was close. When I got on stage, I felt it fully. After the performance, I was emotionally drained and crying back stage. But, by this, I knew I had really brought the character to life.
Oksana Grishina as The Joker
I felt like I did my best with my body, as well, but there are still things that I don’t quite like, and need to improve. I still need to work on my posing, and I can work to bring a physique that is a bit softer to the stage. Of course, it is important to always be changing and growing, so I welcome having improvements to make and new goals to set. I’m working on them already.
I am so happy for Tanji Johnson! It was great to see her won ! Congratulations Champ!!! She is a leader and role model in Fitness, and no one is a more deserving Arnold Classic champion. It was amazing to see all my sisters in Fitness doing their best. Congratulations to every one of them! We are all fighters inside, and we are heroes, too. Just look at Fiona Harris. You may have noticed her breathing particularly hard during her routine. Well, the girl did all of that with a broken rib! This is what I call a hero! And, of course, we are all close friends, and support each other, too. It is so important to have that mutual support and positive energy when you’re backstage.
I know some of my fans are disappointed with my placing, but please know that I am happy. I always aim to do my best. I still have my dreams. And nothing feels better than the amazing response you give to me when I am on stage. Your appreciation of my performance and all my hard work is really beyond anything money or trophies can buy. Seeing fans standing and cheering in the auditorium is all that I can ever ask for J. It was great to hear so many people saying that they had come to Columbus to see Fitness. There may only be 10 of us competing, but I’m glad the fans see us as an interesting and entertaining part of the Arnold weekend. With fans like that, we’re all winners!
I am fortunate to have the support of so many people. Thanks to the fans for their constant encouragement on Facebook and Twitter, and at the shows. Thanks to SAN Nutrition for their sponsorship. SAN supplements give me energy in the gym, and help me with balanced nutrition throughout the phases of my diet and training. Thanks to Lisa Miles and Laura Richards for their beautiful posing suits. Thanks to my tailor, Jerry, for his help with my costume. Thanks to Matt Willems of Perfect Driver Music for helping to make my performance music just perfect. Thanks to my acting teachers at Playhouse West for helping me learn how to better express my emotions on stage. Thanks to my family for a lifetime of support, no matter how far away they may be. Thanks to the Arnold Classic organizers for putting on another great show! It’s always an honor to be on the Arnold stage. Thanks to the judges for their hard work. Thanks to the IFBB for giving us a stage on which to compete, be creative and be stars!
Finally, I am so thankful to the people who have taken the time to put their heart, mind and soul into my prep… my acrobatics coach, Vladimir Sizov, who has taught me so much and pushes me hard in the gym every time. He’s the only bodybuilder I know who has the skills and agility to actually compete in Fitness, lol…my manager, Tom Haynes, who is my second brain throughout the year. At contest time, when I’m focused on my body and performance, his brain may be the only one that’s working, lol…and my coach and trainer, Boris Ivanov, who has put his knowledge and soul into helping me, with endless patience, make my dreams come true. He’s been working with me for my whole pro career, and knows my body better than I know it myself. I am truly blessed to have such great support.
Work hard, stay strong, never give up!
With love,
Oksana
IFBB Fitness Pro
www.oksanagrishina.com
Follow Oksana on twitter at @OksanaGrishina and like her Facebook page.
