Name: Ellena Tsatsos
Birth Date: January 16, 1984
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 57kg (126lbs) on-season  64kg (141lbs) off-season
From: Brunswick, Victoria  AUSTRALIA
 
 
CONTEST HISTORY
2009 NPFC/IFBB Australian Nationals - 4th Place in Figure Short
2009 NPFC/IFBB Victorian - 3d Place in Figure Short
2009 NPFC/IFBB Darwin - Overall Figure Champion & 1st Place in Figure Open
2009 NPFC/IFBB New Zealand Elite - 2d Place in Figure Open
2008 INBA Australia Titles - 2d Place in Figure Open
2008 NPFC/IFBB Australian Nationals - did not place in Figure Short
2008 NPFC/IFBB Victoria - 2d Place in Figure Short
2008 INBA Victoria State - Overall Figure Champion & 1st Place in Figure Open
2007 INBF Worlds - 2d Place in Figure Short & 4th Place in Fit Body Short
2007 FAME North Americans - 1st Place in Novice Figure, 2d Place in Muscle Model
 & 3d Place in Figure Open
2007 WNBF Asia-Pacific - Overall Figure Champion & 1st Place in Figure Short
2007 ANBC/WFF Australians - Overall Figure Champion & 1st Place in Figure Short
2007 INBA Victoria State - 1st Place in Figure Open
2007 WNBF Victorian Titles - Overall Figure Champion & 1st Place in Novice Figure
 
 
RFOS Q&A
 
How long have you been training?  
Since spring 2007 for competition at age 23. During my high school years I had been involved in a variety of sports: baseball, swimming, jazz ballet, and calisthenics, among others. When I went to university, I stopped all forms of physical activity. I was studying hard; after graudatio, working hard as well. I found that I was always tired. My life consisted of work, partying, and sleep. I had lost all motivation to get fit and actually LIVE my life.
 
A friend suggested we start going to the gym together to keep each other motivated. After only a month of training, I noticed a big difference in my physique. Many gym staff and clients suggested that I compete. I had an idea of what Bodybuilding and Figure was all about; and in my view, the sport wasn't to my liking. Dragged to see a local contest, I still wasn't convinced. The women I saw on stage were not feminine or girly, and I didn't find their physiques attractive.
 
A few days later, sitting in my room reviewing what I had achieved over the past 12 months, I realized that it wasn't much. So I decided to take on the challenge. Coming from a European background where we live to eat, I knew this would be tough, especially while living with my mum.  
 
I went at it 100%. Although I had aimed only for one competition, I kept doing well and winning flights to represent Victoria at the nationals, and then overseas. I have been hooked ever since.
 
 
What would you like to see done to help improve or promote the sport?
Bodybuilding is not as popular or as recognised here in Australia as it is in other countries. I think contests should be broadcast live. That would help educate the public about what we athletes do and how difficult it really is. More reality shows about Bodybuilding would also help. We have cricketers and soccer players with worldwide recognition and a great wage. So why does this sport need to be so different?
 

 
What would you like to share about your last contest?
This marked my second time competing at the NPFC/IFBB Australian Nationals. The year before, I didn't place. This time, I really wanted my physique to be at a Top 3 level. I believe was in much better shape than last year, despite having a form a food poisoning all that day and lasting another week. My partner was competing the next day. I was so ill that I couldn't get out of bed to watch the pre-judging. I did managed to see the night competition at which he placed fourth. The worst part was — as I had been dieting for 20 weeks, having previously done three other contests — I couldn't eat or enjoy a rewarding meal with my man.
 
 
Do you get negative comments from people with regard to your muscles?
Not that I am aware of. Just as I didn't appreciate Figure physiques at the start, I'm sure some others do not value this look. Those who know me also know that there is no ego involved in what I do. I do it because I love the dedication that comes with the sport: It's what I do, not who I am.
 
 
Have you ever surprised yourself with you own strength? Like you forgot you were THAT strong???
During my on-season workouts, I always surprise myself, especially a few weeks out from a contest: having restricted calories, doing cardio twice daily, and training every day. Even so, I find myself lifting and training harder. I guess that's because I'm in a very focused frame of mind.
 

 
How have you used your physical strength outside the gym, when it has come in handy?
As cliche as it seems, competing taught me how strong I truly am. I always used to doubt myself. Now I believe in myself.
 
 
Any message for fans?
Thank you for all your inspirational messages. It's humbling to know I have inspired so many women to become proud of their bodies.
 

 
What is the best way to contact you?
Ellena@EllenaTsatsos.com
 
 
Where can you be found on the web?
http://www.EllenaTsatsos.com
 
You can also learn more about me here:
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/skinaki
 
Other profiles:
http://www.australia-bodybuilding.com/ellenatsatsos.htm
http://www.bodybuilders.com/ellenat.htm - Amateur Fitness Competitor of the Week!
 
Check my video clips:
http://youtube.com/user/EllenaTsatsos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y37kZswRe0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I74tj0XL2SQ
 
 
What else you would like to share?
I am a Fitnation certified personal trainer. Working from Doherty's Gym in Brunswick, Victoria, I offer one-on-one personal training as well as group sessions. Online training packages are also available. If you are serious about getting or staying in shape, contact me to learn more about programs and pricing: Ellena@EllenaTsatsos.com
 
I want to thank my corporate sponsors:
  Black and Blue Clothing http://www.blackandblue.com.au
  Cherry Bombs Posing Suits http://www.cherrybombs.net
  Max's Supplements http://www.maxs.com.au
  Mello Hair http://mello.com.au
 

 
Thanks as well to these talented photographers for the courtesy of using their pictures:
Gym & red 2-piece - Dan Reynolds (Big Shot Dan) of http://bigshotdan.com
Purple 2-piece & back - Michael Tabban of http://michaeltabban.com.au