Recently interviewed by ‘Bloomberg News’ due to her having been involved in a product recall of an Internal Defibrillator, Vickie now shares her story with RX Muscle readers and, to any of you out there who complain about the rigors of contest prep and dieting, this may prove to be a very humbling and inspiring experience……. 
To any of you who attended the recent Junior Nationals in Chicago, Vickie Biberian may just have been another figure competitor. Gaining a respectable 9th place she presented herself well in a tough line up. However, Vickie is far from just an average competitor doing what it takes to get up on that stage. For Vickie, just the mere fact that she is a successful figure athlete is more than just a little remarkable and, dare I say it, awe inspiring. For you see Vickie suffers from a condition known as Pro Long QT Syndrome, an electrical abnormality of the heart that causes a prolongation of recovery following excitation of the cardiac ventricles. It is associated with fainting and even sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmias.
First of all can you tell us a little about Pro Long QT Syndrome and was it something you were born with?
“Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare, sometimes fatal heart rhythm disorder that is often present from birth. It gets its name from the peculiar pattern of the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) seen in people with the disease. Long QT syndrome results from abnormalities in the heart's electrical recharging system, which is the part of the heart that causes it to beat.
I was born with this condition but was not diagnosed at birth. It wasn’t until I gave birth to my second child Michael on February 21, 2003, that the condition was detected. My oldest daughter Lara (14 months old at the time), Michael (new born), and I (30 years old at the time) were screened at this time for the rare genetic marker and all results came back positive. Soon after my daughter Nina was born, she was tested as well and the results were negative.
Unfortunately, this is a hereditary disease and needs to be regulated, but we are thankful that this was detected early for my children.”
Given the handicap of this condition many people would have avoided the gym for fear of something going wrong. What set you apart in this respect?
“With this condition, it isn’t just the gym that is fearful. It could be swimming, being on a rollercoaster, running, anxiety, stress or even something as simple as the sound of your alarm clock.
I am a mother, and two out of my three children have the same condition as I have. I strive hard to set a strong example for them to not live in fear of the condition. I want my children to learn, regardless of what conditions or obstacles they have been given, that they can still achieve whatever goals they set out to fulfill. I believe I would be doing an injustice to my children if I did not push myself to be the best that I could be.”
How did the whole idea of entering figure competitions come about?
“My boyfriend, Jason Norman and his childhood friend Matt Kornick (CPT), decided to train for the 2008 spring circuit shows. These gentlemen were no rookies when it came to competing and I wanted to learn more about the sport. As a loyal girlfriend, I thought it would be fun to diet with Jason and train with Matt. During the course of the training and dieting I couldn’t believe the transformation my body was going through. Along with Jason and Matt’s supervision I decided to throw my hat in the ring and compete as well.”
Did you have any role models or people who inspired you at that time in the sport?
“My inspiration really came from within. I was not going to allow doctors or any condition hold me down or place restrictions on my life. I have always had a healthy competitive nature with whatever I have done, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this and overcome any obstacles.”
What special considerations do you have to take into account when it comes to contest preparation?
“I stay away from any drastic measures when it comes to potassium and sodium loading and depleting. As far as my cardiovascular training, I do longer sessions at a lower intensity instead of shorter durations at a high intensity.”
Do you have any dietary restrictions due to the condition?
“I monitor my Potassium and Sodium intake, but other than that, I do not have any other restrictions in terms of the diet.”
You had your first Internal Defibrillator implanted in 2004 but had to have it replaced in 2007 due to a product recall. How traumatic was that whole affair?
“This was a very traumatic time for me and a big decision to make. Having a defibrillator with a recall is equivalent to purchasing a car with air bags that may or may not deploy upon impact. With this recall, no one knew if the device I already had implanted was defective or not. The only way to find out if it was or was not defective was to have surgery. The side effects were possible infection, swelling of the limbs or death. After a lot of deliberation and thought, I decided to move forward with the surgery. I truly believed in my heart that it was the right thing to do and the most responsible decision. Was I frightened? HELL YES! But I put my trust in the doctors and my heart in God’s hands. In the end, the surgery was successful and I am thankful that I went through with it.”
How do those involved in your health care respond to you working out and competing as a figure competitor?
“Actually my physicians are my biggest fans and I have a great relationship with them.
I have my device checked monthly via remote and I see the cardiologist technician once every 3 months and I see my cardiologist once every 6 months.”
When it comes to your exercise program in general do you have to make any special allowances or place restrictions on certain activities?
“I have to restrict any over head pressing movement and limit the weight. I do my best to compensate for this by making full use of lateral and front raises.”
What sort of workout schedule do you follow?
“Off season: Day 1 quads, Day 2 chest, Day 3 back, Day 4 shoulders and hamstrings, Day 5 arms.
Both calves and abs get trained 3 x a week.
1 to 2 off days during the week.
Pre contest: Day 1, chest and back, Day 2, plymetrics, Day 3, shoulders and arms, Day 4, quads and hamstrings, then REPEAT.”
What are your contest plans for the rest of this year?
“Right now I am planning to compete in the 2011 Masters Nationals.”
Given what you have been through and indeed what you go through on a daily basis, what words of inspiration would you offer anyone out there who feels that they are limited in what they do by a health condition?
“Regardless what condition you have it is exactly that…. a condition.
Do not allow the condition to determine who you are!”
How can people contact you?
By email: [email protected]
OR
Mail: Vickie Biberian
P.O. Box 122,
Lake Zurich, Illinois, 60047
N.B. Vickie’s goal is to earn her Pro Card by 2012….we wish her well!
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