Q. How did you get into powerlifting?
Stamm Volker: During the GDR era, I trained weight training and participated in power duels, including bench presses and squats. There I was also successful in the major league in my first competitions.

Q. How long have you been training?
Stamm Volker: I've been training for half my life, about 25 years.

Q. Who were your idols? Arnold?
Stamm Volker: At first I was a big fan of the Hulk Lou Feriggno, then Ted Arcidi the bench press, then I saw Greg Kovacs from Canada at FIBO. I found that very impressive. I admire Vince Taylor for his naturalness.

Q. What are your personal bests?
Stamm Volker: My best performance in competition is 295 kg in bench press. At a show I managed 335 kg with a two-ply shirt. Unfortunately, I did not manage the 335 kg in competition, there is always some excitement. And that makes it difficult for me to do in competitions what I'm known for in training.

Q. What are your plans for 2007?
Stamm Volker: The European Championship in Schleswig on May 8th is my next goal. Now I'm already doing good training, currently I'm pushing 310 kg off the block. For 2007 I have set myself 300 kg in competition.

Q. Can you describe your training?
Stamm Volker: For my training I rely on the help of my friend Matthias Marten www.berlin-animals.de. He puts together my training programs for me. He's a real guru when it comes to powerlifting. Thank you Matze.

Q. What would you recommend if you want to improve your bench press?
Stamm Volker: There is a simple training program. You take 60% of your maximum bench press power. Once a week you do 10 sets of 6 repetitions with it. If you can do all 10 sets without help you increase the weight by 2.5 kg. I tried this program myself for 10 weeks and I can say it works.
The advantage of the program is not as stressful on the joints and the body can regenerate very quickly. This reduces the risk of overtraining.

Q. The powerlifters don't pay too much attention to nutrition. How are you doing?
Stamm Volker: My wife always supports me in my preparation. For which I am very grateful to her, she always comes up with something new to support me. My diet is very high in carbohydrates, i.e. I drink a lot of potatoes and a lot of pasta with 5 to 6 protein drinks, that's about 400 grams of protein a day. There are approximately 7,000-8,000 calories a day.

F. Liebling Essen?
Tribe Volker: Chinese

F. Lieblingsübung?
Stamm Volker: bench press of course

F. Lieblings Film?
Tribe Volker: Forrest Gump with Tom Hanks

Q. Favorite bodybuilders right now?
Tribe Volker: my friend Andreas Klimek.

Q. Thanks for the interview. I wish you the best of luck in your preparation for the EM.