Olena TVERDOKHLIB: "Kick boxing is the best way to pour out your emotions"

One of them is Olena Tverdokhlib, the Absolute World and European Kick Boxing Champion among professionals and amateurs. Perhaps, there is only one title missing in her sports record, Olympic champion. But this is not Olena's fault, for kickboxing is still not an Olympic sport. However, women's boxing will probably make its debut in the 2004 Olympics. And Olena is dreaming of Olympic gold, for in her weight category she is one of the strongest athletes in the world.

"In my childhood, I tried many sports. As a high school student, I went in for athletics, swimming, and handball. But I was not thrilled with the team sports. In the case of individual bouts I am solely responsible for the result, and [if I lose], then nobody can say that the team lost. Anyway, it's more interesting to compete with your opponents face to face. In such case I can see my mistakes very clearly. The result depends on your own skills. I think I am egoistic in terms of sports. Perhaps, this is precisely what helps me win in the ring."

"How did you come to kick-boxing, and why exactly did you chose this sport?"

"I did well in school. But it didn't take much time. I needed to channel my energies in a rational way. And kick boxing is the best way to pour out your emotions. I can confirm that kick boxing has taught me self-discipline. I began to handle many things with more responsibility."

"You picked a completely unladylike sport. What psychological changes have you experienced after first entering the gym?"

"The sport taught me concentration and accuracy, which helped me to graduate with honors from Shevchenko National University as a jurist. Currently I work as a lawyer in Monomakh, a well-known firm."

"Don't the profits of the best sportswomen in the world allow you to live without additional work?"

"Professional competitions do not take place often. Besides, the prize money is pretty symbolic. And participation in amateur competitions requires one's own funds. The only thing the organizers can provide free is to rent a gymnasium for the competition. And you have to travel to the tournament at your own expense."

"How do you combine your training with your work in the firm?"

"I need two or three hours a day. This is enough both for physical exercises and technique. Usually, I train in the evening, after work. This makes sense, for competitions are always held in the evening.