Irina Veselova is an interesting woman to say the least. First off, she's Russian. That's always interesting, and her accent only adds to the mystique. Next, she's a bodybuilder. And we all love women bodybuilders. However, for Irina, bodybuilding is just the tip of the iceberg. In Russia she was not only a bodybuilder but also a track and field and powerlifting champion. She came to the U.S., and after a six-year layoff, got back into competing; this time in figure. Now she's back to bodybuilding. In between, it gets really interesting.... She has worked as a "dancer" and as a personal trainer who trains her male charges so hard that they regularly puke. She's part-owner of New Jersey's famed Apollon Gym along with Alex Federov and Robert & Marina Samborsky. She's had personal relationships with IFBB Pro Eugene Mishin, IFBB Pro Alex Federov, and 6x Mr Olympia Dorian Yates. And, she's become a very popular member of the RX Muscle community. With all this going on and her extreme willingness to talk about it, how could we possibly pass up this opportunity?
JR: Irina, we like to know what we're dealing with, so let's start with your vital statistics: height, weight, measurements....
IV: 5'7, 170lbs off season and 135lbs contest.
JR: And what about your birth sign?
IV: I am a Virgo.
JR: Where in Russian are you from?
IV: I was born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).
JR: What's it like there?
IV: It's probably one of the most beautiful places in the world, with a lot of history, beautiful architecture and museums. People are very warm and friendly there. If you ever decide to travel to that part of the world, I highly recommend it. Maybe I can even be your tour guide?
JR: Where do you live now?
IV: I live in Old Bridge, NJ.
JR: Who were you married to when you came to the U.S.?
IV: I was married to IFBB Pro Eugene Mishin.
JR: Why did you your marriage end?
IV: I guess we grew apart. It wouldn't have ended if it was good, right? But it wasn't.... not for both of us. We just drifted apart. I'd say we were both to blame. But it's all in the past now. Nevertheless, I wish for Eugene only the best. We have history together and I want him to be happy. We actually met at the Arnold and greeted each other and there were no hard feelings at all. In fact it was a nice moment. I am glad he is doing well. I like his new wife Lena. She is always very nice to me.
JR: What are some of your powerlifting records in Russia?
IV: My personal best would be deadlifts - 170kg (374lb), squats - 150kg (330lb), bench press - 90kg (198lb)
JR: What were your best events and records set in track and field?
IV: Russian National Jr Champion. I never placed lower than 3rd on the national level
JR: Did you ever compete in bodybuilding against fellow Russian Valentina Chepiga?
IV: No, never. She was always my idol. When I was starting in bodybuilding it was Valentina, Lenda and Kim.
JR: You came to America a bodybuilder. Then after a long layoff you returned to the stage as a figure competitor. Why the change?
IV: Actually I came to America as a wife of a bodybuilder. I never thought I would compete again. In 2005 at the NY Pro Alex Federov introduced me to Robert and we became friends ever since. When my marriage was falling apart I got in touch with Robert and asked him to help me get in shape for a show to keep me busy so I wouldn't go crazy. The rest is history. As to why figure, at the time I was still dancing and it was more natural to do figure in order for me to be able to still dance and make a living.
JR: Now you are back to bodybuilding?
IV: I'm not sure yet..... not certain. I am very busy with the gym and running my personal training business. I guess I will have to decide soon. Any advice?
JR: You should follow your heart... What about fighting? What's your involvement with UGC and MMA?
IV: I train at the famous Jersey Fight Club with one of the best MMA coaches, Muy Thai champion and UFC ref Kevin Mulhall. I also work with some of the fighters. I train them for endurance leading up to the fights. I love MMA. I love the challenge, the training. Kevin has become one of my closest friends but as a trainer he is tough (sometimes I want to kill him).
JR: I hear you are pretty intense personal trainer. Tell us a little about that...
IV: You (and Dave) are welcome to train with me and find out! In fact you could compete against each other - we'll see who pukes his brains out or passes out first! But seriously, I take my job very seriously and I do what it takes to deliver results. I work with bodybuilders, fighters and just about anyone who wants to take their training to the next level. In Russia I was awarded the status of "master trainer" by the chairman of Russian IFBB Vladimir Dubinin.
JR: Now what about the dancing? Where did you work and what was that like?
IV: I danced all over NY, NJ, CT and Las Vegas. I started dancing when I came to the states. I danced before my marriage fell apart. I did what I had to do to support myself and my husband. Did I enjoy it? No! Am I ashamed doing it? No. It was just a job at the time.
JR: Do they have strip clubs in Russia?
IV: I have never been to one in Russia. But, I know there are a lot of them there, and as far as I know they are very upscale.
JR: How much is a lap dance in Russia?
IV: No idea. But I would assume same as here if not more.
JR: Tell us about Apollon gym...
IV: Apollon gym is one of a kind for sure. We (Robert, Marina, Alex Federov and myself) bought the gym a year and a-half ago. It's an old school, hardcore gym, where "real" men (and tough chicks) train. Apollon is an experience. We have a lot of top NPC, IFBB and MMA guys as well as power lifters. If it's good for Dorian, it must be good right?
JR: You ended up having a relationship with Alex Federov. What was that like?
IV: Alex and I are still, and always will be, very close friends. He is happily married and very successful. He is gorgeous of course and ladies go crazy for him. It was very evident everywhere we went. He is charming, intelligent. I will always cherish what we have.
JR: Six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates was also a part of your life. How did you meet him?
IV: I met Dorian at Apollon when he came to see Robert. We became good friends. He is at Apollon at least one week every month and trains clients whenever in town. I highly recommend booking Dorian for a training session. It's an honor to be trained by a 6x Mr. O.
JR: And what about your relationship with Dorian?
IV: Dorian and I are friends. Good friends. He is a unique guy to say the least. Very sexy, very smart, with a great sense of humor. I am happy to be part of Dorian Yates Nutrition. It's an honor. Dorian definitely has a wild side to him, but I won't go in to details. All I will say is that Dorian is a class act all the way.
JR: Do you think bodybuilding/fitness/figure has a sexual component unlike all other sports?
IV: This is easy - yes! Our sport is judged on physique only (at least it's supposed to, unless you take in to consideration many so called "variables"). Being sexy is very important. You can place dead last but still be very popular and make money. Because the sport is subjective your physical appearance (being sexy) counts a lot.
JR: What's better than a cigarette after sex?
IV: Sleep! I believe in fuck hard and then kick him out and go to sleep. Once he served his purpose what's the point listening to him snore and fart in his sleep? Then when he wakes up in the morning he will probably expect a BJ and breakfast in bed. Fuck that! But..... it depends on the situation. If it's someone I love, then falling asleep in his arms is an amazing feeling. However if it's just a casual one night thing, then the sooner he leaves the better.
JR: A lot of guys feel the same way.... I heard a rumor that you had an affair with your trainer Robert Samborsky who is married to your best friend Marina?
IV: Silly rumors.... You should know better to listen to rumors, John.... I had the affair with Marina! She is so hot! (Sorry Robert.... he..he..) Marina is amazing .... Robert is not so bad himself though. He definitely knows how to treat a woman... yes... she would go crazy. On our way to the Arnold he managed to get hit on twice - once by woman and once by a man! I was jealous because nobody hit on me (well they did at the Arnold).
JR: How do you like it here on RX Muscle?
IV: I like on RX Muscle because it's fun, informative and real. Dave and I had our differences in the past but I always respected him for his knowledge and expertise... and I just love Collette. Robert always speaks very highly about Dave. Being invited to the site is an honor. And after meeting you at the Arnold I feel even better being part of your site.
JR: What's the craziest thing any guy ever asked you to do?
IV: Lets see.... there is very little left that I haven't done already. The craziest would probably be blowing a guy for 40 minutes while he was driving.... other drivers would see me in action and blow their horn. Also making out with a woman while the guy was watching us and then joining in.... and a few other things that I am not sure I can say.....
JR: So, you're pretty much up for anything....
IV: I'll do anything if I want to! I never back off from something good. You only live once; you might as well enjoy it!
JR: Do you have a website?
IV: Yes!! www.irinaveselova.com and of course the gym... www.apollongym.com
JR: Anything else you would like to say?
IV: I want to thank my best friends Robert & Marina, who are like my family. I want to thank Alex for everything he has done for me. My good friends at Apollon - Alina, Jay and Kenny. And, Kevin Mulhall for kicking my ass. Dorian for his support and believing in me. My dear friend John Kemper, who helped me so much.
And I want to thank you, John, and Dave for your support and hope to see you at our shows.
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