Few months ago I had an amazing opportunity to interview the very famous Olympic Gold Medalist: Nadia Comaneci. I don’t want to sound too star struck, but Nadia Comaneci was a big deal back where I grew up, Israel that is. And I used to even mimic her Olympics moves with my friends, it was our inside joke.

Well, here it is, my interview with Nadia Comaneci which was published in Beauty Interviews August 2008 edition:

Nadia Comaneci is a winner of five Olympic gold medals, and the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event. She is also one of the best-known gymnasts in the world. In this interview Nadia Comaneci talks to Marta Walsh about some of the most memorable moments in her career, how did she first got interested in Botox Cosmetic, what compelled her to team up with Mark Spitz to launch the Your Personal Best Campaign, what are some of the pressures that come with being a champion, and what inspires her the most.

Marta Walsh: As world famous gymnast you don’t need much introduction. What have been some of your most memorable moments of your career?
Nadia Comaneci: When I got my first 10. The score board showed 10.00 for the first time and everyone was so shocked, including myself.

MW: How did you first get interested in Botox Cosmetic?
NC: My good friend Anastasia Soare, who is an eyebrow guru, first let me know that I could do something to relax the muscles in between my eyebrows that caused the 11, that were making me look stressed and tired. I then talked to my doctor who recommended BOTOX Cosmetic. She answered all my questions and made me feel very comfortable about my decision to try BOTOX Cosmetic. I’ve been using it ever since! What do you like most about Botox Cosmetic?
About five years ago, I realized that while I exercised and ate right most of my life, there was nothing I could do on my own that would get rid of those two stubborn frown lines stamped on my forehead. They looked like an ‘11′ and made me upset with the way I looked, and that’s when I decided to talk to my physician about BOTOX Cosmetic treatment. I like the treatment because its safe and simple solution to improving my appearance.

MW: How do you feel Botox Cosmetics changed the appearance of your skin?
NC: I still look like me, I still have lots of expression in my face, I am just without that 11 between my eyebrows.

MW: What advice can you give to women who are considering Botox for the first time?
NC: Women and men should feel empowered to do whatever it takes to feel their best and if that means aesthetic treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic, then that’s their choice. I would advise women to talk to their doctor about BOTOX Cosmetic. If you are looking for a doctor, one great resource for finding one is www.YPBevents.com

MW: What compelled you to team-up with Mark Spitz to launch the Your Personal Best Campaign?
NC: Mark and I are old friends. He’s always been motivated to work towards his personal best in all aspects of his life. It was natural for the both of us to want to help motivate others to do the same.

MW: Why is it easy for you to be honest about incorporating Botox into your skincare regimen?
NC: At the age of 46, I feel healthier and more confident than ever. As a young athlete I learned that you can’t sit back and wait for things to happen – you have to make them happen. To me that also means making the effort to look as good on the outside as I feel inside and I’m very proud of that fact.

MW: How have some of the disciplines you learned as an Olympic champion translated into your day to day life?
NC: Though I’m not competing anymore, I still have the same drive to achieve my personal “10″. That’s reflected in my attitude towards my work, my family and how I care for my body. To help me keep up mentally and physically, I eat right, exercise and take care of my appearance.

MW: What advice can you give us on staying in peak shape both physically and mentally and achieve our personal best?
NC: Take time for yourself and give yourself permission to focus on the things that help you feel your best in all aspects of life. For some of us, that may mean different things like seeing a doctor about aesthetic treatments, like BOTOX® Cosmetic, if you begin to feel like your best isn’t showing through.

MW: What was your toughest competition of your gymnastic career?
NC: All competitions were very difficult. Whether they were small or the Olympics, I always had to give my best. If I had to narrow it down to one, I would say the 1980 Olympics. It was difficult competing in Russia against gymnasts who were considered the best.

MW: What are some of the pressures that come with being a champion?
NC: When you’re competing young, like I did, you don’t think of the pressure. I just did the best I could and gave 100 percent every time. However, there was quite a lot of pressure in defending my title the second time around.

MW: Who and what do you find inspiring in life?
NC: My family.

It was a pleasure to interview Nadia you can find out more about Botox Cosmetic at the official website: www.botoxcosmetic.com

Nadia Comaneci was interviewed by Marta Walsh for BeautyInterviews.com

We are very excited about our Beauty Interviews October 2008 Edition. This month’s edition is a mega celebrity one, including an interview with actress Malin Akerman, which also was the inspiration for Beauty Interviews’ cover.

Malin Akerman starred in the 2007 Farrelly Brothers movie The Heartbreak Kid and in the 2008 film 27 Dresses opposite Katherine Heigl. Malin will also play Laurie Juspeczyk in the upcoming film adaptation of Watchmen, and The Proposal.

Other celebrity interviews in this month’s Beauty Interviews: Brea Grant stars as the new “hero” on the hit NBC’s science fiction series “HEROES”. The season kicked off on September 22nd with all new episodes so make sure to stop by and watch Brea Grant as she playing the character of Daphne Millbrook.

Patricia Kara  an actress, model, and a TV personality best known as Deal or No Deal’s #9. Patricia along with Tameka Jacobs, were the only ones chosen to be on the new Daytime Deal or No Deal with Howie Mandel, which premiered in September 2008.

Layla Kayleigh-a multi-talented host, actress and singer. Originally from London, England. Layla can currently be seen as a co-host on the hit MTV series “America’s Best Dance Crew” with Randy Jackson (airs Thursdays at 10pm ET/PT).

Nadia Comaneci a winner of five Olympic gold medals, and the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event. She is also one of the best-known gymnasts in the world.

Mark Spitz is a swimmer, best known for winning seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, an achievement surpassed only when Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal of the 2008 Olympics.

Mylin is an international recording artist and a former Mickey Mouse Club child star. After releasing four albums on an international major label, and touring internationally for four years, Mylin is happy to be home in the U.S., writing, recording, performing, and releasing her latest album: Last Call to Higher Ground.

In addition: read interviews with: Guido, an English top celebrity hair stylist who got his first break working with Calvin Klein in the 90′s. Since then, Guido designed and executed the hair at more than 30 shows including Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Versace and and Louis Vuitton.  Guido is also Redken’s lead stylist.

Jan Marini, M LAB, and  Soap & Paper Factory.

Legendary sports icons, Nadia Comaneci and Mark Spitz support Your Personal Best Public Education campaign.

Spitz and Comaneci share tips on achieving your personal best and discuss why they talked to their physicians about BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Treatment.

Mark Spitz (middle) and Nadia Comaneci (right) discussing Botox.

Five-time gold medalist, Nadia Comaneci, and nine-time gold medalist, Mark Spitz, today joined Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN), the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A), to launch a new consumer education campaign – Your Personal Best. As part of the campaign, Comaneci and Spitz will share tips on how they remain at the top of their game in an effort to inspire men and women to achieve their own personal best – be it through diet, exercise or by improving their personal skin care routine.

Nadia Comaneci-Five-time gold medalist.

According to a recent national survey (n = 2,403), four in five people define their personal best as a combination of feeling their best, looking their best and fulfilling their responsibilities. Recognizing this, long-time friends, Comaneci (46) and Spitz (58) will travel the nation offering tips and insights on how women and men can define their own personal gold standard and achieve their goals.

Nadia Comaneci who describes her personal best as taking care of her inner and outer self. “As a mother of an active two-year old boy, I am constantly on the go and trying to find time to take care of myself,” said Comaneci, who today runs a gymnastics school with husband and fellow gold-medalist gymnast, Bart Conner. “About five years ago, I realized that while I exercised and ate right most of my life, there was nothing I could do on my own that would get rid of those two stubborn frown lines stamped on my forehead. They looked like an ‘11′ and made me upset with the way I looked, and that’s when I decided to talk to my physician about BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. I attained a perfect ‘10′ at age 14, and I’m working hard to stay close to that in all that I do.”

Mark Spitz, who holds the world record for the greatest number of gold medals achieved in a single Olympic game and was named one of the sexiest men over 50 by MSN.com, decided to talk to his physician about getting treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic for the first time. “As a financial advisor and motivational speaker, my facial expression is a very important part of my message,” said Spitz. “When I am serious, my ‘11′ makes me look angry and unapproachable rather than congenial. I knew I had to do something about it, but for a long time, I just didn’t know what my options were. Then I heard about BOTOX® Cosmetic and spoke to my wife about it. She encouraged me to see a great doctor who answered all my questions.”

Spitz is not alone. The survey also found that men are four times more likely to consider aesthetic treatments if their significant other recommends them. “Today, more and more women bring their husbands into my office for a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment to lose their ‘11,’” said Dr. Wechsler. “Men are now learning what women who are treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic have known for a long time – it’s not about looking younger, but about achieving a natural look.”

Also, According to acclaimed dermatologist and psychiatrist, Dr. Amy Wechsler, the Your Personal Best mission of encouraging people to define their own personal best and focus on total wellness is often a key factor to personal satisfaction. “I always tell my patients that their health and personal state of mind are closely connected. Simply put, improving your state of mind can be achieved by exercising, making healthy food choices and taking care of your skin. As a dermatologist, I recommend a personalized skin care regimen to help my patients achieve the results they’re looking for. By helping them improve their skin, I am putting them a step closer to achieving the ultimate mind-body connection.”

 Sharing Tips to Achieve Your Personal Best:
Comaneci and Spitz will participate in local Your Personal Best events where they will share their personal stories including their experiences with BOTOX® Cosmetic. Attendees also will have the opportunity to ask a physician expert questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic and will receive simple steps to help them achieve their personal best, including ways to:
1. Reduce Stress – Approximately three-quarters (77%) of Americans experienced physical symptoms of stress (fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness).
2. Be Sun Smart – While 58 percent of people say they are concerned about skin cancer, 40 percent of Americans never use sunscreen and only 11 percent use an SPF15 or higher daily.
3. Get Active – 39.5 percent of U.S. adults are physically inactive.
4. Catch Some Zs – Approximately 7 in 10 U.S. adults (71%) are getting less than the recommended eight hours of sleep a night on weekdays.

Important BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Information: BOTOX® Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age.