SC: Thanks for the interview Izabela. Can you please give us a description of yourself?

IM:  It is an honour to be featured on your website. Thank you for this opportunity Shaun. I would best describe myself as a goal oriented individual who chooses a path and pursues it with passion. I do set high standards for myself as well as the students I teach.

SC: How long have you been weight training and/or involved in fitness?

IM:  I've been involved in a variety of sports throughout my entire life, but the weight training grabbed my attention and never let go since the day I saw a photograph of a female bodybuilder sporting very impressive abs, and that was 10 years ago. That also was the day when I purchased my gym membership.

SC: Tell us about how you became interested in competing in Figure?

IM: In 2005, as I was giving my Grade 8 students one of my "eat healthy stay fit" talks, I showed them pictures of an amazingly fit female Figure competitor at the back of the Oxygen magazine, and commented that it would be great to compete like her. This little comment provoked my students' dare, "Why don't you Ms?", "Too much work Ms...or are you too old?" We're talking here about 13 and 14 year olds... The rest is history. Since then I have entered 4 competitions and placed in all of them . I really owe it to my students.

SC: What motivates you on those tough days during contest prep?

IM: As a teacher, unfortunately, I meet a lot of students who demonstrate low self-esteem, poor body image and a lack of confidence in all aspects of their lives. Frequently, when these young people are faced with a task, all they have to say is "I can't do it.", believing that this is the only way out of the situation. I use my goal/dream chasing to motivate my students and to show them that things are possible as long as they are willing to work hard. Putting it simply, I do what I expect my students to do.

SC: How long have you been competing?

IM: My very first competition took place in November of 2006.

SC: What have you learned from competing?

IM: Treat your body with respect. It is a perfect machine and you want it to perform for you in its amazing way for as long as possible. It really is true, we are what we eat.

SC: Do you have any tips or advice for upcoming figure competitors?

IM: Make sure that you experience your first competition from the audience. Inform yourself, watch competitions organized by different federations. Observe how the organizers treat their athletes, talk to the competitors, and only then choose your first contest. This decision will determine your path as a competitor. My very first competition was Canadian Classic II by IDFA. It was such a positive and enjoyable experience.

SC: Do you train on your own or do you have a training partner?

IM: Whenever possible, I try to train with my amazing husband (whom I met at the gym), otherwise I'm on my own.

SC: What about supplements? What are your favourites?

IM: Whey protein, multivitamins, glutamine, fish oil, and Udo's oil would be my top 5.

SC: Any big shows coming up?

IM: Yet another show by IDFA on November 3rd, 2007 in Toronto. It will be a truly big show for me since I'll be competing as a pro for the first time... I can already imagine the lineup I'll be a part of... I'm really looking forward to this show because I know how proud the organizers are about making sure that their event is all natural. I've competed in some federations where I felt like a 'toothpick woman' next to some competitors.

SC: Any parting words?

IM: Leaving a show with a trophy in your hands definitely feels great. But I think that we all are winners by just being on that stage looking so fit and glamorous. It is an awesome experience and you get to bring your fabulous body back home.

SC: Thanks for the interview Izabela.

IM: Thank you Shaun, it was a pleasure.