Ilya Ilyin

“The Olympics have their own unique atmosphere and energy. People might say it's just the same as any other competition, but don't kid yourself. There's a hunger for victory.”

“I move around, like a true Kazakh nomad.”

“I try not to eat anything which is too fat, and I can't eat anything which is too sweet.”

“I love my life. I love my work. I love my training. It's all due to my love for life, my love for people. I'm very happy to be alive.”

“I've started spending more of my time studying, trying to improve my IQ by reading and writing. I've missed out on a lot in life. I don't regret this, of course. Nevertheless, I need to make up for lost time.”

“My main goal is to become the most successful weightlifter in history.”

“By nature, I was a little guy with big legs - a stocky lad.”

“I think chicken and horse meat are ideal food because it's very easy to digest.”

“A weightlifter should be able to do everything and borrow things from other sports to beat competitors.”

“If you have less weight, you have less strength.”

“It is not easy for me to digest meat. I waste too much energy in digesting meat, and that's why I get my proteins from other products. I like beans and other legume plants very much. I need a lot of 'live' products such as fruit and vegetables.”

“Chicken and horse meat are the best foods for weightlifters, and good food is important.”

“I do believe food plays an important role in preparation for the Olympics or any competition.”