Татьяна Горскина

Introduction to Bodybuilding Journey

Meeting the Guest

• The host introduces Tatyana Gorskina, President of the Federation of the Republic of Crimea and World Champion in bodybuilding.

Transition from Aerobics to Bodybuilding

• Tatyana shares her initial experience in sports aerobics and group activities, realizing that individual sports were more appealing to her. She was inspired by televised competitions featuring female bodybuilders.

Career Development and Return to Competition

Early Career and Coaching

• After a successful start in bodybuilding within 2-3 years, Tatyana took a break from competing for 17 years to focus on coaching before returning to the stage recently.

Current Involvement with the Federation

• Currently, she is heavily involved with the bodybuilding federation, emphasizing her passion for developing the sport further. She aims for it to gain recognition and support.

Growth of Bodybuilding Federation in Crimea

Positive Changes Post-Reintegration with Russia

• Tatyana notes significant growth in the federation since Crimea's reintegration into Russia, highlighting increased government support compared to previous times when resources were scarce.

Government Support Impact

• The federation benefits from state programs providing quality equipment for athletes, including uniforms valued at approximately 50,000 rubles each. Travel expenses for competitions are largely reimbursed now as well.

Challenges and Sponsorship

Attracting Partners and Sponsors

• Discussion on how they managed to find partners and sponsors during challenging times; both financial sponsors and informational supporters are crucial for increasing audience engagement around bodybuilding events.

Public Perception of Bodybuilding

• Tatyana addresses misconceptions about bodybuilding being associated with extreme physiques or unhealthy practices; she emphasizes promoting a healthier image of both male and female bodybuilders as fit individuals contributing positively to society.

Modern Trends in Bodybuilding Judging

Evolving Standards in Competitions

• There is a shift towards judging based on aesthetics rather than extreme muscularity; judges prioritize femininity in women's categories while ensuring competitors maintain their natural roles within their respective divisions. This change aims at eliminating past extremes seen on stage.

Multi-Sport Festivals in Crimea

Future Plans for Multi-Sport Events

• The speaker discusses the potential for creating multi-sport tournaments in Crimea, emphasizing the favorable conditions and climate for such events.

• There are plans to establish at least one multi-sport festival in Crimea, particularly utilizing outdoor venues due to the pleasant weather.

• The Tavrida Art venue is highlighted as a promising location for hosting a large-scale multi-sport festival within the next couple of years.

Collaboration with Local Federations

• Initial interactions with local extreme sports federations are underway, aiming to unify various strength sports like powerlifting and arm wrestling.

• The goal is to create an inclusive festival where different sports appeal to diverse audiences, ensuring everyone finds something interesting.

Seasonal Considerations for Events

• The discussion touches on leveraging Crimea's summer season to attract athletes and tourists, although there are challenges related to athlete preparation during this time.

• While summer events can be appealing from a marketing perspective, they pose difficulties for athletes who may not be competition-ready during hot months.

Climate Challenges and Logistics

• Hot climates can complicate event logistics, including athlete preparation and equipment management; thus, considerations must be made regarding venue cooling systems.

• Logistical issues currently hinder participation from mainland athletes; however, efforts are being made to improve these conditions through regional collaboration.

Emotional Connections Among Federations

• A meeting is planned among southern region federation leaders to discuss collaborative opportunities beyond formal partnerships; emotional connections play a significant role in these discussions.

• The speaker reflects on how Crimea's approach differs from other resort regions by focusing on team development rather than just event organization.

Bodybuilding and Its Challenges

Personal Views on Bodybuilding

• The speaker expresses a strong aversion to bodybuilding, citing health concerns and hormonal issues as significant drawbacks.

• A memorable event in 2020 involved organizing a small outdoor competition during the COVID pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by athletes and organizers.

Evolution of Competitions

• The current state of competitions has improved significantly, with around 120 participants in the Crimean Championship compared to earlier events.

• The speaker takes pride in their team's success rate, noting that 70-80% of competitors bring home medals from tournaments.

Federation Operations

• Discussion about the federation's operations reveals multiple focus areas, including financial support and sponsorship for events.

• While large sponsors are lacking, there is a stable base of medium-sized sponsors who consistently support competitions.

Training Facilities and Community Support

• The sports complex "Alphasport" serves as a training hub for athletes, providing essential facilities for preparation and recovery.

• Leadership within the community is emphasized through involvement from experienced athletes like Kirill Artemov, who contribute to fostering talent.

Coaching Staff Dynamics

• A revitalized coaching staff brings fresh energy to the federation; younger coaches passionate about sports have taken on key roles.

• Clear role delineation among team members enhances operational efficiency during events, allowing for better coordination.

Future Prospects for Multi-Sport Events

Potential for Multi-Sport Gatherings

• There is an ongoing discussion about creating multi-sport gatherings in Crimea to attract broader audiences before competitions.

Logistical Challenges

• Current logistical issues hinder effective organization of such events due to transportation difficulties post-COVID.

Regional Pride and Aspirations

• Despite challenges, there is optimism regarding Crimea's potential as a premier location for sporting events; local pride fuels this ambition.

Emerging Categories in Sports

New Fitness Trends

• The emergence of new fitness categories sparks debate among athletes; some feel it dilutes traditional competitive standards while others see it as an opportunity.

The Emergence of Fitness Categories in Sports

Importance of New Fitness Categories

• The speaker discusses the internal conflict between their identity as an athlete and the recognition of the importance of new fitness categories for broader participation.

• Financial barriers are highlighted, particularly for young women entering fitness competitions, where costs can be prohibitive (e.g., swimwear starting at 70,000).

• The accessibility of fitness events allows participants to engage without significant financial investment, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Cultural Considerations in Competition

• The speaker notes that international federations face challenges in hosting competitions in certain countries but see potential in Muslim-majority nations due to cultural acceptance.

• Fitness events are viewed as more culturally appropriate than traditional swimwear competitions, making them viable options for athletes from diverse backgrounds.

Attracting Participants to Competitions

• Successful examples like the Siberian Power Show demonstrate that high-quality organization and prize funds can attract athletes even from remote regions.

• Positive feedback from participants highlights the welcoming atmosphere and hospitality at events, which distinguishes them from others.

Development of Judging Standards

• The speaker emphasizes a commitment to fair judging practices, ensuring that athletes are evaluated based on merit rather than regional biases.

• There is a focus on developing judges through experience and education rather than relying solely on external appointments or connections.

Building a Qualified Judging Corps

• The speaker advocates for practical approaches to judge training by leveraging experienced individuals who can provide seminars and workshops.

• Judges must gain experience by officiating various competitions outside their home region to enhance their skills and perspectives.

Ethical Standards in Judging

• A strong emphasis is placed on integrity within judging; judges should have prior athletic experience to understand competitors' efforts fully.

• The necessity for judges to possess moral integrity is underscored, ensuring they prioritize fairness over favoritism or bias.

The Role of Judges in Sports

Insights on Judging and Aesthetic Sensibility

• The speaker expresses difficulty in judging due to the effort athletes put into their performance, suggesting that former athletes may make more fair judges.

• Emphasizes the importance of having a good taste akin to an artist, indicating that not everyone possesses this quality, which can hinder their ability to judge effectively.

• Discusses the need for analytical thinking in judges, alongside aesthetic sensibility; those lacking taste are compared to being almost disabled in their role.

Future Plans for National Gatherings

Logistics and Infrastructure Development

• Mentions plans for national gatherings similar to those held in Kislovodsk and Sochi but highlights logistical challenges due to lack of air communication.

• Affirms that there are currently no barriers preventing athletes from joining the federation, emphasizing openness and support for interested individuals.

Encouragement for Young Athletes

Support Systems for Aspiring Competitors

• Highlights strong support for junior and youth sports, encouraging young dreamers aged 16-18 who have found success at national competitions.

• Urges aspiring athletes not to hesitate in expressing their interest; emphasizes accessibility and willingness to help from coaches and federations.

Financial Aspects of Sports Federation

Prioritizing Development Over Finances

• States that while financial resources are necessary, the primary goal is developing bodybuilding within Crimea rather than focusing solely on money.

• Encourages individuals with knowledge, desire, or emotional resources to join regardless of financial status; stresses community involvement.

Collaboration with Local Fitness Clubs

Partnerships with Community Gyms

• Notes absence of federal fitness chains but mentions local networks like Iron Man clubs as partners supporting bodybuilding initiatives.

• Describes collaboration with various local gyms led by former athletes who actively participate in promoting bodybuilding events.

Fitness Industry Insights

The Role of Bodybuilding in Fitness Clubs

• The speaker expresses a dislike for the term "fitness," suggesting it leads to a misunderstanding of priorities within fitness clubs, where business and sales overshadow the essence of bodybuilding.

• Bodybuilding is presented as foundational to the entire fitness industry; without it, there would be no demand for sports nutrition or fitness clubs.

• The influence of bodybuilding on consumer behavior is highlighted, noting that women are inspired by fitness bikini athletes and men by muscular beach bodies, driving them to purchase gym memberships.

Understanding Investment in Fitness

• Emphasizes the need for stakeholders in the fitness industry to understand that investment in bodybuilding is essential for long-term growth rather than immediate returns.

• The speaker argues against dismissing advertising at competitions as ineffective; instead, they advocate for recognizing its role in building brand awareness over time.

Importance of Community and Contribution

• Highlights that financial gain should not be the sole focus; contributing positively to local communities and youth development is equally important.

• Money is described as a tool for creating value and participating meaningfully in community initiatives, enhancing life satisfaction beyond mere profit.

Leadership Perspectives in Fitness

• Observations about leadership within larger gyms indicate a disconnect from core values; leaders may become too absorbed in daily operations to maintain vision.

• Suggestion that effective communication with partners should emphasize shared missions and values rather than just transactional relationships.

Acknowledgment and Gratitude

• The importance of expressing gratitude at competitions is stressed; acknowledging contributions fosters community spirit more than financial rewards alone.

• Recognition of individual efforts within the broader context of collective success reinforces participants' sense of significance.

Bodybuilding's Unique Appeal

• Bodybuilding is framed as an accessible sport that can be pursued at any age, contrasting it with other sports requiring early specialization.

• It’s noted that bodybuilding serves as an investment in national health due to its widespread appeal compared to other sports like football or boxing.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

The Transformative Power of Bodybuilding

The Impact of Performance on Personal Growth

• Many individuals, including the speaker, have observed that despite years of therapy, some people see no change until a significant performance event occurs. This highlights the potential for transformative experiences in personal development.

• The journey of a bodybuilder is likened to that of a samurai; it emphasizes the importance of the process over the results. This path fosters internal growth and self-improvement through daily challenges.

• The continuous nature of this journey suggests that there is no definitive endpoint, making it an ongoing pursuit of excellence and self-discovery.

• In a world weary from negativity, bodybuilding offers individuals a way to enhance their quality of life and find peace within themselves.

• Ultimately, the discussion concludes with an acknowledgment that such transformative journeys are essential in today's society where many seek more fulfilling lives.