New job is poles apart for vault star
She's a champion pole vaulter who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, but Liz Parnov's day job could not be further from her latest passion - modelling.
The 20-year-old recently returned home to WA after a shattering defeat in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games where bad weather spoiled her and sister Vicky's chances.
But the post-competition down time has allowed Parnov to delve head-first into modelling after being scouted recently by Vivien's Model Management Perth boss Christine Fox.
Ms Fox is credited with launching the careers of Gemma Ward, Nicole Trunfio and Courtney Eaton.
Parnov, who was born in Russia, said being made over for her first test shoot was a completely new experience.
"It's so nice to sit there and have people pampering you - it is the polar opposite from what I do every day," she said. "I am out there getting sweaty, dirty and masculine and then I go for a modelling job and I am glamorous and elegant."
The athlete was this week one of 125 models invited to a final casting call for Perth Fashion Festival, though she is yet to know whether she has been selected for the September showcase.
Regardless, Parnov was excited that modelling was moving away from the "waif" look towards girls with fit, healthy physiques.
"Of course, you have the traditional models that are really thin and lean but also I think the more athletic, toned build is coming in," she said. "Especially with swimwear, scouts are wanting girls with a bit more curve to them, which works well for me."
Parnov is easing back into training, with her and 23-year-old Vicky's sights on the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
"Before that we have the World Championships in Beijing next year, so that is a stepping stone to the Olympics," she said.
Until then, the sports star expects more ribbing from her sister as she perfects her modelling poses.
"We joke around at home when I am trying to practise my runway walk and she takes the mickey out of me," Parnov laughed.
