I caught up with Gabriela Cioban a few weeks out from her debut attendance at the Arnold Classic.
Name: Gabriela Cioban
Date Of Birth/Star Sign: November 13, 1982, Scorpio
Birthplace: Romania
Country/State You Live: Melbourne, Australia
Hair Color: Brown
Color Eyes: Brown
Height: 166cm
Contest Weight: 57kg
Off-Season Weight: 63kg
Occupation: Sales Rep.
Hobbies/Interests: I love bodybuilding and fitness, I enjoy swimming, rollerblading and I am pretty good at art so I do it when I have time. And I have a thing for fast cars.
Training Information:
I have been into weight training since I was 15, but have only been training seriously for competitions for 3yrs
Competition History & Achievements:
- 2005 IFBB Southern States, 2nd, Figure
- 2005 Musclemania Victorian, 1st, Figure
- 2005 NABBA/WFF Victorian Miss Athletic Class 1, 2nd
- 2005 NABBA/WFF Australian Championships Miss Athletic Overall Winner
- 2005 IFBB Victorian Championships, 2nd, Figure
- 2005 Musclemania Australia, 1st, Figure
- 2006 IFBB Southern States, 1st, Figure
- 2006 IFBB Victoria, 1st, Figure
- 2006 IFBB Australia, Figure Tall Class, 2nd
- 2007 IFBB Australasian Open Figure Tall, 1st
[ Sandy ] How do you feel about competing at the Arnold classic, you must be so excited, to be going over to represent Australia.
[ Gabi ] I am stressing because I only have a few weeks to go to the Arnolds and I'm excited and nervous and stressed all at the same time.
[ Sandy ] How is your preparation going?
[ Gabi ] I'm doing pretty much the same thing as I do to get ready for the shows here except I'm working towards being 100% ready a week before the show. Pre-judging is on the Feb. 28 so I am working to be ready for the 23 of Feb. A bit stressed about how the flight is going to effect my body; it's a 23hr flight plan so that's a bit of a concern, but I'm flying out on the 25th of Feb. which should give me enough time to get somewhat adjusted.
[ Sandy ] I suppose there's a bit of difference with the cost of going overseas to compete.
[ Gabi ] Costs for the whole trip is going to be $2,500 for the flights, $800 for accommodations and obviously food and taxi rides to and from the venue. My sister is coming to help me out back stage and to keep me from stressing out and also I will have someone to freak out on if something goes wrong... LOL!
[ Sandy ] This is your first time competing overseas, so what has been your main concern?
[ Gabi ] Because I haven't competed overseas before I am not sure what to expect and how the long flight is going to affect my preparation, but I'm going there for the experience and to meet my favorite pro competitors!
[ Sandy ] How's the mood at home?
[ Gabi ] It's not effecting my personal life much. Chris is used to my moods and knows how to deal with me in any situation plus he is very supportive and is by my side through it all, good and bad!
[ Sandy ] Have you received any sponsors?
[ Gabi ] Yeah. My sponsorship: I have PRO-MAX nutrition helping out and Balance Nutrition.
[ Sandy ] Good luck girl, I know you will do Australia proud and we are all very proud of you!
[ Gabi ] Thanks heaps, Sandy!