Interview With Julie Marsland and Vanda Hadarean

Turning Heads

These two friends from neighbouring cities in Canada have been creating a buzz in the competitive fitness arena this year. One is a beautiful fitness competitor that is leaving crowds in awe, while the other let's her tall, well proportioned good looks do the talking in fitness modelling. No doubt, these two gorgeous and talented women have people turning heads and asking a lot of questions.

Vanda Hadarean (Ottawa), and Julie Marsland (Montreal), first met each other last year at one of Fame's competitions in Montreal. This was a big day for both of these soon to be good friends. It was their first fitness competition, a day not to be forgotten by competitors. That day they started a trend both of them seem to enjoy, winning. Vanda, introduced to everyone a fresh new look that combined beauty, grace and a whole lot of athletic ability. On the modeling side, Julie's charismatic presence and glowing beauty was put together in a confident package that demanded attention.

In their second year of competing, these ladies are still at their winning ways. Both have competed twice so far this year and turned in outstanding performances. Vanda traveled to Connecticut to compete at the Fitness Atlantic competition where she unveiled a brand new routine and took home first place. She also competed in the bikini competition and fell just short of first overall. A month and a half later she competed at the Fame World Championships in Toronto. Vanda again competed in two events, this time one of them with her friend Julie. In pro fitness she once again made an extremely hard routine look effortless. Yes the trend continued, first place. Pro modelling turned out to be quite a surprise for Vanda, taking the 5th spot just behind Annette Milburs, last years champion. That was no easy task amongst an all star cast of competitors including three returning champions in the top five.

Julie's first competition of the year was that same Fame World Championships in Toronto. With a brand new hairstyle and improved physique and poise, Julie was one of the girls to beat from the start. With a shorter hairstyle her radiant smile seemed to glow even brighter well into the audience. Again she demanded attention and got it. After the fifth, fourth, and third places were handed out, it was down to Margaret Diubaldo, 2003's champion, and Julie. In her first show as a pro model competitor the crowd was wondering if the rookie would take down the former champ. It was too close to call, but Julie ended up with second place and a whole new respect from the entire audience. A week later Julie traveled to Miami for her first Fitness Universe show. Being a totally fresh face for most in attendance, Julie resumed her streak of firsts and took home the honour of fitness model universe.

Now it's time to get some answers from these two rising stars.

WR: Why did you start competing?

V: For a large part of my life I was competing in gymnastics and enjoyed it very much. Eleven years passed by and then my friend Yvette convinced me to try fitness competitions. As of last year I have been training and competing again. It has made me feel alive and at home.

J: I started competing without any expectations. I wanted to see how far I could push myself and I knew that without a concrete goal, I would never commit at 100%.

WR: What kind of background did you bring into competitions with you that has enabled you to shine like you are?

V: I started training when I was five years old in Gymnastics. I ended up being selected to the Romanian national team, and trained there until I was eighteen. My body was built by years of gymnastics training, at least the foundation was. In the last year and a half I have just been building upon that.

J: I think my extensive dance background helps enormously, even though there is no choreography involved in fitness modelling. I was a dance instructor for 6 years and studied various techniques, such as ballet jazz, modern, hip hop, ballet, etc. I think that because of dance, it has helped me feel comfortable and confident on stage.

WR: You two are both obviously bitten by the competition bug. How did you feel after winning your very first competition, and how do you feel now?

V: My first competition in Montreal last year was where I wanted to test myself and see where I stood. I didn't know much about the format of competitions or what the panel of judges were expecting. I had a great experience and it made me want to go further. I wanted to challenge myself competing in different competitions and against other athletes. I don't take my competitions for granted. I work a lot to achieve my goals and what is given to me. There are moments when I can't wait for my next competition to see what I can achieve.

J: Winning is always an amazing feeling, whether it's the first time or the twentieth time. It's what keeps me motivated and wanting to do more.

WR: You're both now into your second season of competing, how have you matured as competitors?

V: I am more serious about my trainings and I can plan my goals more accurate now.

J: I think the most difficult aspect of competing is finding balance, managing a career, a marriage, a healthy lifestyle, a household etc., all while trying to make yourself known in the industry. This year's preparations were easier overall and my results were just as good, if not better. I overextended myself last year and made sure not to do that again.

WR: Due to the success you are both having, what do you think sets you apart?

V: In my fitness competitions I put a lot of work into making a hard routine look easy, and I think that people have noticed. I love the feeling of performing my routine. I feel that I am flying through it. I wish more people could experience that. I can feel exactly what my body does, and I know how I look when I perform. As for the modelling, I believe I have a totally different look. I am a different person on that stage, something takes over and I am very confident. But, I do practice, a lot.

J: There are so many beautiful women out there, but I think it really comes down to good genetics and stage presence. I love being on stage and I always try to show it to the audience and the judges.

WR: You ladies are both in amazing shape, to go with your beautiful looks. Do you have any training tips that you can share?

V: I believe that before starting anything, you have to know if you really want to do it. We look good, but we are not born like that, we work at it. With me having my training sessions planned before hand it helps me a lot. I would also suggest that you don't run through your workouts, but put interest in every single repetition. (I will share more on my new website coming out soon, officialvanda.com)

J: I think the answer is obvious, a clean diet and a consistent workout plan. I try to eat as much organic foods as possible, take proper nutritional supplements, get adequate rest and drink lots of water. I think pre-planning and organization are keys in maintaining a fitness model physique.

WR: If you had to name one thing that has helped you get to the top, what would it be?

V: I believe my focus would have to be one of the top things. That's a hard question. I hate to leave out gymnastics, my boyfriend, knowledge of what is going on etc.

J: The support of my husband has definitely helped me reach my goals. If he didn't support me, I don't think I would have made it as far as I have. He's also had to make several sacrifices in order to see me succeed in this industry.

WR: What are your favourite things about competing?

V: It might sound strange but it's true. I like when I get a little nervous because I feel my life running through my veins. I like all the preparation before competitions as well, and how I need to find my self control. It teaches me a lot. I also like meeting my friends and making new friends.

J: What I love about competing is the challenge. There is always an area you can improve on. Also, the satisfaction you feel knowing you did well in something so important to you. It keeps you coming back for more.

WR: Being fairly new to the competitive scene, you are just starting to become recognized. Very quickly I might add. What are some interesting things people don't know about you?

V: As much as I like to train and be active, I absolutely love quality quiet time. I also like to spend time with God, because I know and feel that I am not by myself in this. He has given me so much, and I believe that I am blessed.

J: Put it this way, when I competed for the first time in FAME east, Montreal in 2005, I had never even seen a fitness model event. For that matter, I didn't even know the name Monica Brant or even heard of Oxygen magazine. I just went on the internet and started searching for information on fitness competitions, and here I am only one year later. So if I can give one word of advice to anyone out there thinking of competing. It would be this, if I can do it, you can do it!

WR: What are some of the first things that come to mind when you mention each others names?

V: My first thoughts are, friend, gorgeous, talented, motivated, fun and can't wait to see her at the next competition.

J: When people speak of Vanda, I think of beauty, both inside and out. Over and above her obvious talents, she has a wonderful presence and such a positive outlook on life. She's refreshing to be around and I'm so glad to have met her.

You are both inspiring women that will be turning heads and creating a buzz for a long time.

Wade Robinson

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