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One can find Greek bodybuilders everywhere, and not only in Greece. Greeks of diaspora may compete in their local or national contests, but they still carry Greece in their heart.
One of these Greeks is Antonia Perdikakis, aka Toni Perdikakis. Toni has been competing for a while in Women’s Physique Division and has recently become the first Greek to obtain the pro card in that category.
As a first generation Greek, Antonia lives permanently in Baltimore, USA. She speaks Greek though and visits Greece at least once a year. Her goal is to get the qualification for the very first Physique Olympia in 2013.
So, here we present Antonia Perdikakis to the Greek bodybuilding fans for the first time. Learn about her in the interesting review that follows, and we wish to see more of her in Greece.
XB: Hello Toni, welcome to XBody.gr and thank you for the interview. First of all, I think that your last name sounds Greek, doesn’t it? 🙂 Please tell us all about it. Is your family Greek, when did you move to the US and from which part of Greece, etc.
TP: I am first generation born here in the States. My father, George, is from Chania, Crete, and my mother, Zoe, is from Monemvasia, Peloponniso. They moved here in their teens, and met at a glenti, which is probably why I ended up loving to dance! 🙂
XB: How did you get involved into lifting weights and later following it at the pro level? Did you have any sports background before that?
TP: I was always an athlete. I played sports all through grade school and into high school. My older brother, George, was always in the gym, and he was the first one to get me into weights. I actually ended up working for Gaspari Nutrition as a fitness model and I would attend these shows, and I knew that I could get on stage. I worked hard and went pro at my seventh time ever stepping on stage!
XB: How has your family and friends reacted to your involvement in the sport, especially when you started competing?
ΤP: At first, my family really did not understand the sport, especially when I was at the local level. When I actually started at the National Level, and was knocking on the door to Pro Status they hopped on the wagon. Now they are completely supportive and my mother is my best “tanner” yet!
XB: Would you like to inform our readers about your contest history?
ΤP: I competed in four shows in the Figure Division, two of which were National and I barely cracked the top 15. After switching to the Women’s Physique Division, I won the Greater Gulf States, going right into a sixth place finish at Team Universe. Finally, I was awarded IFBB Pro Status with my second place finish at the 2012 USA’s in Las Vegas. I made my Pro Debut at the 2012 Valenti Cup, and came in at the bottom. It was a learning experience, and I was way too small and tired from my contest year. I had so much fun and this past year was my best ever. Looking forward to what is to come in 2013.
ΧΒ: How did you decide to do your first show? Many women out there think about it, but they are often too shy to “expose” themselves on stage.
ΤP: Like I said, I would attend these shows and work the booths, and I would see these girls on stage; it seemed like so much fun and a challenge. I love challenges. The funny part of it all is that I started dieting for my first show as a bikini competitor, and now look at where I ended up!
XB: Eventually though you started as a Figure competitor and have now moved to the Physique division. Was this a natural change for you?
TP: As a Figure Competitor, I was really working against my body’s natural inclinations. I was doing 3-4 hours of cardio a day and hardly training, in hopes of getting smaller. Switching to WPD allowed me to embrace my genetics and train like a monster. I have had so much more fun as a Physique Competitor. My favorite part? THE ROUTINE!!!!!
XB: You are a couple with Jose Raymond. How easy or hard is it to do this as a couple, especially when in contest prep mode?
TP: It is a double edged sword. Dieting separate is difficult because one person wants to go out for dinner and drinks and the other one is already asleep! On the other hand, it is very difficult to be patient and communicate when you are both “standing on one leg”. You are both tired, hungry, and overtrained, but you just have to take a deep breath and take it all in stride. We are very supportive of each other, and are each other’s number one fan.
XB: WPD is a fairly new division, and still it appears as though it’s trying to find its identity. Where do you see the category going, and how do you think it will finally evolve, in view also of the upcoming Women’s Physique Olympia 2013;
ΤP: I believe that the IFBB and NPC have made it clear of the look and package that they are looking for. I have actually heard Bob Cicherillo use Rachel McLish as an image for those that are looking for a visual. It is an amazing division that I am so so so thankful for and I think that this Inaugural Physique Olympia is going to be very exciting. I compete among the best physiques in the world, and all women work so hard and embody femininity and strength, which, in my eyes, is beauty
XB: Your plans for this contest year?
ΤP: The schedule is still not finalized, but I know that I will be competing in the Grand Prix in Culver City, California on April 13 and the Greater Gulf States in June. I am hoping to compete in about 4 or 5 shows, so please check my website and Facebook page for updates on my upcoming shows!!
XB: How often do you visit Greece? Have you ever been as a spectator in a Greek bodybuilding contest?
TP: I visit at least once a year. I have a home in Monemvasia, but I have to say that I am definitely a city girl, so I love Athens and Thessaloniki. I actually lived in Thessaloniki for a year, and I fell in love with the city; I also fell in love with trigona but thats a whole different interview! I have yet to go to a Greek bodybuilding contest, but I would absolutely love to! Do I need to wait for an invitation? 🙂
XB: You have a couple of pics in your Fb page, where you dance zeibekiko and breaking plates. 🙂 Are you Greek at heart?
ΤP: In the States, when the tragoudistes come, we have “Greek Nights” or bouzoukia. My mother had me at 5 years old dancing tsifteteli and zeibekiko. I listen to radio straight from Greece and have the Greek TV channels at my house. My nickname actually used to be “Penia” because I love the music of Mela, Gonidi, Karra, and Dionisiou. What can I say? I love being Greek!
XB: Would you consider making appearances in Greece, for guest posing, autograph signing, etc?
TP: Absolutely! Nothing would make me happier. I am 100% Greek and love my heritage. I hope that I am embraced as part of the Greek bodybuilding world!
XB: What kind of services do you offer to anyone interested in working with you? Do they have to be physically located near you in Baltimore?
TP: I offer online training, contest preparations, offseason plans, workouts, posing via Skype, nutritional consultations, and much more! I work with people all over the nation and even over in the UK. I work with competitors and also people who just want to look like they compete! Visit my website www.toniperdikakis.com for a list of services.
XB: Are there any people or sponsors you’d like to thank for helping you thus far?
TP: I would like to thank the NPC and IFBB for making my dream a reality. I love this organization and could not be happier to be a part of it all! I would like to thank MHP and P28 for being my sponsors, and fueling me with only the best in supplements and nutrition! I would like to thank my family for teaching me loyalty and hard work, and loving and supporting me through everything. Last but not least, I want to thank XBody.gr for reaching out to me and I look forward to working together. xoxoxoxo!!!
XB: Toni, I’d like to thank you for this interview, and I hope you keep in touch, so that people here in Greece are kept updated with your appearances.
Visit the website of Toni Perdikakis: http://www.toniperdikakis.com
Like her official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/toniperdikakiswpd
