Drawn from my life and athletic career, it began when my parents enrolled me in a Rhythmic Gymnastics School where their friend’s daughter was already a star. We were both over 6 years old, but I was plump and unskilled. I was an easy target for abuse and “fat cow” was my name. Coaches put me at the very end of the lineup. I cried all the time and feigned sickness to avoid humiliation.


By the age of 10, I earned the title of the Odessa Region ‘best gymnast’ in my age category. I had the admiration and envy of my past tormentors. What happened in these long three years is the secret of GYMNASTIKA and I want to reveal it to you in just one sentence: You shall not compare yourself to others.


Not until you know that you are not a ‘fat cow’ they cannot teach you anything. You must first be comfortable with the way you change to allow others to change you. In other words, it is ‘not the medals, but the process.”


I learned how not to make Competing and Winning my goal, and so can you. I did it with wise support from my parents and trainers, and with Gymnastika you too can narrow your mind-focus on knowing and caring for your mind-body to make it your ally and not your enemy. That is your Prime Objective.