Irina Kuzmenko is a Russian Professional Rock Climber. She is ranked as the eighth 2021’s Top 10 Female Boulderers in the world. She is Bouldering European Champion.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up Irina Kuzmenko is an exceptionally talented Russian professional rock climber, here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, skin care, hair care and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Saint- Petersburg, Russia. You started rock climbing in 2008. Later you became a professional rock climber. This propelled your career to the height where you have been at the top of the world as a leading rock climber player. Tell us more about this journey of hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Irina Kuzmenko:
I was born in Siberia, Krasnoyarsk city. Then I moved to Moscow and after three years of living in Moscow I moved to Saint Petersburg and live here to this day.
From the moment I started rock climbing, I fell in love with this sport. I could spend 4-5-6 hours a day in the gym and each time it seemed to me that I wanted more and more. Perhaps this fanatical attitude towards climbing played a big role in what I managed to achieve in the sport.
When I started climbing, the coach who coached me thought that climbing wasn’t very suitable for me and everyone around me was sure that in a week I would quit this activity, but I was stubborn and didn’t want to listen to anyone, because I was in love with climbing. Half a year later I won the Junior Championship of Russia. From that moment it became clear to everyone that I wouldn’t stop doing climbing.
At the end of 2014, I suffered a serious spinal injury as a result of a fall from a tree (I know, I know ;)). This year was a turning point in my career because I spent 1.5 months in bed. I could not get up, and the doctor said that I could say goodbye to professional sports forever. Naturally, I did not listen to him and tried to recover as quickly as possible.
When I first got on my feet after the injury, I felt very weak. My body lost all the muscles, I had to re-teach my body to walk again and live a normal life. Then followed four months of hard work to recover. Fortunately, I was surrounded by excellent specialists who helped me not only recover, but also become stronger.
In May 2015, I already competed at the Russian Championship and was close to getting into the final (lost one attempt) and finished with 7th place.
From 2015 to 2018 I lived in Moscow and it was a hard time. I was trying to get over my mental fear of falling and decided it was time to start my career in bouldering, which completely contradicts my story. After all, bouldering is much more dangerous than sport climbing (climbing with the rope).
At the end of 2018, I moved to St. Petersburg and climbed my first V10 boulder, in second month the first V11 boulder. In 2019 I climbed my first V13 boulder and I became the first female V13 for Russian climbing it.
Namita Nayyar:
You won the Bouldering European Championship Bronze Medal at Zakopane, Poland in 2019. Tell us more about this winning and what had been a catalyst to achieve such spectacular winning in your rock climbing career?
Irina Kuzmenko:
Ohhhh! I’ll never forget this time in Zakopane!. We went to these competitions with my boyfriend by a car, we didn’t have enough money. We didn’t have any expectations. We just wanted to show good climbing and enjoy the moment. The boulders suited my style very well, but also were those that did not suit me, so I had to fight my fears and jump, jump, jump!
After I stood on the podium, there was a lot of gratitude in my head and heart for the moment, people and myself! I thanked the universe that despite this long journey, I was able to get closer to what I want. Naturally, victories motivate for new victories! Thanks a lot!;)
Namita Nayyar:
8a.nu has ranked you as the eighth 2021’s Top 10 Female Boulderers. You had a strong season climbing 12 double-digit boulder problems. Of these, three were rated V13. You climbed all over the world this year and even took third at the European Championships. What’s more, you climbed The Arch, a stunning V13 in South Africa. Elaborate more about this exceptional achievement of your basketball playing career?
Irina Kuzmenko:
In 2019 I got the Bronze in Zakopane, did the first V13 in South Africa and a same year 8a.nu has ranked me as the 4th 2019’s Top 10 Female Boulderers. Then in 2020 (horrible covid year) I was 8th in 2021.
Well, I couldn’t expect my small accomplishments to be recognized in the climbing world. I received special attention after the first female ascent of Dreamtime Stand V12 (Cresciano, Switzerland). Imperceptibly for myself, my mission has become to show women that those things that seem impossible at first are actually possible! And I’m also very grateful that it happened. To this day, I try to carry this idea to the masses. Inspire strong women and be inspired by strong women.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
You have done rock climbing in the challenging following areas:
| Dates | Grades Route | climbing Area | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 12th 2019 | 8a+ | Tail of Caracal Rocklands (Danger Zone) | South Africa |
| Jan 10th 2020 | 8a+ | Dreamtime stand Cresciano | Switzerland |
| Sept 6th 2021 | 8a+ | Den Truda Lietlahti park | Russian Federation |
| July 6th 2019 | 8a+/8b | Fragile Steps Rocklands – The Pass (The Fortress) | South Africa |
| May 10th 2021 | 8a+/8b | Eliksir Molodosty Natoshak Triangular Lake | Russian Federation |
| July 18th 2021 | 8a+/8b | The Arch Rocklands (Kliphuis Campground) | South Africa |
| May 29th 2021 | 8b | Ayran Djan-Tugan | Federation |
Which of these rock climbing areas do you find most challenging and gave you the feeling of great accomplishment? Tell us a memorable moment in these rock climbing competitions and how these win in your career has been a turning point to reach greater heights in your Rock climbing career?
Irina Kuzmenko:
The most challenging area surely is Cresciano (Switzerland). The moment I climbed the Dreamtime Stand V12. I will remember for the rest of my life. It was impossible for me, but with every day of working on this project, I realized that something big was about to happen. And so, I did it! Sat on top of the boulder and cried with happiness. Screamed with joy. I wish each of the readers to experience this euphoria! These memories make the heart beat faster to this day. And yep i think that’s was the point. Since this day I stopped thinking about the impossible, began to trust the process more.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Irina Kuzmenko:
I usually pay a lot of attention to core exercises. A large role in my preparation is played by various hangs and exercises to increase the strength of the fingers. Would recommend paying more attention to the health of joints and ligaments for beginner climbers and to strengthen the body. In this case, it is very useful to do planks, pull-ups with an elastic band, if regular pull-ups are not yet available.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Irina Kuzmenko:
I do not follow special diets, but I focus on healthy eating: enough vegetables and fruits, properly prepared meat dishes, enough protein and various cereals. Trying to eat less sugar and bakery.
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine.
Irina Kuzmenko:
Oh wow! I have long, curly hair, so I have to take care of it according to the curly girl method. I carefully monitor the composition of products, completely avoid: silicones, parabens and sulfates. I wash my hair every 4-5 days and it’s wonderful!
Similar way of care with the skin. Good skin is discipline and well-chosen care. A couple of good products with a good composition help to maintain good skin quality. I usually use serums with vitamin c, zinc and AHA, sometimes I use enzyme washing powders and nourishing masks. This helps even on trips where it is cold and conditions are far from comfortable.
Favorite brand of skincare/hair routine is: Growing Alchemist, Weleda, Levrana, Authentic Beauty Concept, Briogeo, and True Alchemy.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding Rock climbing girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of Rock climbing?
Irina Kuzmenko:
My main advice, perhaps, would be: “Do not listen to anyone but yourself. You are the person closest to you and you know best how to achieve your goals and what exactly you need to achieve this”. The often visible inaccessibility is a mirage and it is your choice to believe it or not. I would really like the women around me to believe in themselves and continue the struggle to achieve their goals!
And last. Love what we do! Love more than anything! And if you still don’t know what you want, then just give yourself time to try different things. I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for!
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Irina Kuzmenko:
I don’t usually train my abs. Heavy climbing loads, long hikes and heavy crashpads give their bonuses!:) Constant life in motion is the best way to a good body!
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Irina Kuzmenko:
I love: strawberry (100% obsessed, i can eat it without the stop), avocado, in big love with oranges, croissant (I know, I know :)) and cheese! Yum! Don’t love: porridge (but I eat it because it healthy), lemon, celery (but i eat it because it healthy). Keep to a minimum: different kinds of bread and chocolate 🙂
Namita Nayyar:
Five skincare myths.
Irina Kuzmenko:
- Washing to the squeak is a myth. Don’t hurt your skin like that.
- The sun is too bad for the skin – that’s a myth. A little sun never killed anyone.
- Daily plentiful care is a myth. Sometimes the skin needs a break from various products.
- If you take care of your skin enough, then you will never have rashes – a myth. Skin health starts from within.
- Natural cosmetics do not work – a myth. Thanks to research, it has been proven that 100% natural cosmetics can work perfectly!
Namita Nayyar:
Five athletic leisure brands you love to wear.
Irina Kuzmenko:
I don’t have 5 brands, but the one and only Adidas original and Adidas Terrex! I love it for the quality and for the fact that in any place and in any conditions I feel comfortable and protected.
Namita Nayyar:
Five travel destinations on your wish list.
Irina Kuzmenko:
I would love to visit South Africa this year, then USA (never been :() Brazil, Australia, Switzerland and veeeeery much Namibia! Love the culture and seems like here is a lot of new climbing areas to improve!
Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and the message for its visitors?
Irina Kuzmenko:
I would like to say that it is so great that women have a place where they can learn something new and share their experience. Woman = wisdom! And Womenfitness.net magazine is the a storehouse of knowledge about women and sports.
Namita Nayyar:
Today social media plays a vital role in putting your message across to your followers and fans. What is your message for the social media followers on Instagram?
Irina Kuzmenko:
There is not one thing that I would like to say. I just want to share my experience and everyday life, to open the curtain of small victories. I hope this will inspire my subscribers to new achievements 🙂
Irina Kuzmenko Presence on Social Media
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/curlycurlyclimber/
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness