Irina Zelenkova, MD, PhD, founder of OWNTOP, has been recognized as the Best Altitude Training Coach in the US of 2025 by Best of Best Review. With over 15 years of experience in the field of altitude training and sports medicine, Irina has become a leader in her industry, working with Olympic champions, world record holders, and professional cycling teams. Her innovative approach, grounded in scientific research, is transforming the way athletes and high-achievers prepare for extreme physical challenges.

A Leader in Altitude Training and Human Performance

Irina Zelenkova is more than just a doctor, she is a pioneer in the world of altitude training. She has developed a scientifically engineered system that combines training, nutrition, recovery, and innovative hypoxic technology to prepare individuals for the most demanding high-altitude expeditions. As an athlete herself, Irina understands the importance of smart, strategic preparation. She has summited Mount Everest and worked as an expedition doctor at both the North and South Poles. Her extensive experience in extreme environments allows her to offer a level of expertise that is unmatched in the field.

OWNTOP, the training system founded by Irina, is built around precision, personalization, and proven results. The system is not based on random advice or traditional methods, but on data-driven strategies validated through years of research and real-world testing. Clients don’t just “train harder” with OWNTOP, they train smarter. Irina’s unique approach allows individuals to prepare for extreme challenges with clear readiness criteria and personalized guidance every step of the way.

Unmatched Expertise and Proven Success

Irina’s background in hypoxia research and sports medicine is complemented by her hands-on experience with Olympic athletes and world-class adventurers. She has worked with UAE Team Emirates, the #1 UCI cycling team in the world, and has consulted for several other elite cycling teams. She is a sought-after expert in her field, having contributed to advancements in sports medicine as a scientific collaborator at Stanford University’s Sport Equity Lab.

One of Irina’s most notable achievements is her patented hypoxic preparation system, which was used to help a client ascend Mount Everest from sea level to 8,848 meters in under four days, without prior adaptation. This remarkable feat is a testament to the effectiveness of Irina’s methodology, which integrates hypoxic technology to simulate altitude conditions before clients ever set foot on a mountain. The result is faster acclimatization, reduced health risks, and a higher chance of success on demanding expeditions.

A System Designed for High Achievers

What makes OWNTOP stand out is its holistic approach to altitude training. The system is not just about physical preparation, it integrates psychological support, nutrition, recovery, and cutting-edge technology into a single, cohesive roadmap. Irina’s clients, who include high-level entrepreneurs, executives, and public leaders, value OWNTOP’s structured, evidence-based approach that prioritizes health, performance, and measurable results.

OWNTOP’s system is designed for those who think in systems and metrics, providing clients with tools to track progress and make data-driven decisions. Through personalized mentoring, Irina helps each client create a custom training plan that meets their unique needs and goals. The combination of science, technology, and real-world experience gives clients the confidence to take on extreme challenges with a clear, rational approach.

The Science Behind OWNTOP

The success of OWNTOP is rooted in science, not heroics. Irina’s extensive research in hypoxia and sports performance has led to the creation of a system that allows clients to prepare for high-altitude expeditions safely and efficiently. By using hypoxic technology, individuals can begin acclimatizing at home before ever stepping foot on the mountain, which significantly reduces the time spent at high altitudes while maintaining safety.

The system is designed to be a controlled, measurable process, altitude is not a gamble, but a stressor that can be precisely managed. Irina’s approach allows clients to push their limits without compromising their health, making OWNTOP the go-to choice for ambitious individuals who are serious about reaching their summit.

Reaching Your Own Top

OWNTOP’s mission is simple: Reach Your Own Top. Whether it’s conquering a mountain, building a business, or achieving personal goals, Irina’s system provides the tools and support needed to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. By emphasizing preparation, recovery, and long-term health, OWNTOP helps clients tackle extreme challenges without burning out or sacrificing their well-being.

“Big goals don’t require self-violence. They require a better system,” says Irina. “Altitude isn’t a lottery. It’s a stressor you can dose, measure, and adapt to, if you know what you’re doing.” This philosophy drives OWNTOP’s approach to both physical and mental performance, helping clients achieve the highest level of success without unnecessary risks.

A System Built for Results

The science behind OWNTOP’s success is clear: the system works. Whether preparing for Mount Everest, a high-stakes business venture, or a personal challenge, Irina’s clients consistently achieve their goals with precision and confidence. OWNTOP offers a unique, evidence-based approach that turns extreme goals into controlled, actionable projects, resulting in measurable progress and peak performance.

Irina Zelenkova’s recognition as the Best Altitude Training Coach in the US of 2025 is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of human performance. Through OWNTOP, she continues to empower individuals to reach their highest potential, both in the mountains and in life.

For more information on OWNTOP and to start your journey toward reaching your own summit, visit OWNTOP.