The 2004 final of the World's Strongest Man METRx Championship took place in Nassau in the Bahamas. Three of the six finalists impressed me especially as great role models.
Svend Karlsen of Norway (aged 37 and a former world champion) was injured in the heats before the final. However he kept going for a long time in the final by working around the events he could no longer do. He came last but still managed to put up a great performance in some of the events.
After he had just carried two huge fridges, weighing 904 pounds in all, a fair old distance, the presenter asked "Was that mind over matter?"
'Yes; very much so. Every time I stepped down on my left leg my head said: "It's not going to work." My heart said: "Keep on going." Competing when you are only half fit is mentally very tough. I think what I am doing is very brave.'
He kept competing in those events which did not directly stress his left thigh. In the end his injury caused him to stop competing when it was obvious that he could no longer get a top place.
However, he was immediately thinking of next year's competition in an optimistic and positive way. "I just need to heal up and start training again."
Svend teaches us three great lessons
1. Do what you can do. If injury or some other obstacle prevents you doing everything, just do something
2. When the going gets painful, keep on going unless you will cause serious injury.
3. When failure comes in one year, start preparing for the next.
Magnus Samuelsson of Sweden (aged 35, over 6 feet and 5 inches tall and also a former champion), was in decline from his previous invincible self, but he ended up third. He knew he was weak in a few events. Height is not always a help in strength events. However, he remarked "The key for me now is to score as high as possible in the events I can score high in."
Instead of being depressed by his poor showing in his least favourite events, he would concentrate on his strong events and make the most of what he could do. He had the sense to realize that every one has different skills and there is no point worrying about what you can't do well. Focus on what you can do well.
After one of his favourite events he remarked "I needed something to go right just to get my confidence back and to get proof that I am still strong." Once he had proof, his overall importance improved. He began to put in some great performances.
He had three bad events but kept going for his 'honour'. He wanted people to realize that he was still one of the strongest men in the world. He hoped to make the podium
He did not make the podium in Nassau but did eventually make the podium by coming third when the third place competitor was disqualified for failing a drugs test.
Worlds Strongest Man ! Stones Breaking With Hand by meharmakram
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/18959
Svend Karlsen of Norway (aged 37 and a former world champion) was injured in the heats before the final. However he kept going for a long time in the final by working around the events he could no longer do. He came last but still managed to put up a great performance in some of the events.
After he had just carried two huge fridges, weighing 904 pounds in all, a fair old distance, the presenter asked "Was that mind over matter?"
'Yes; very much so. Every time I stepped down on my left leg my head said: "It's not going to work." My heart said: "Keep on going." Competing when you are only half fit is mentally very tough. I think what I am doing is very brave.'
He kept competing in those events which did not directly stress his left thigh. In the end his injury caused him to stop competing when it was obvious that he could no longer get a top place.
However, he was immediately thinking of next year's competition in an optimistic and positive way. "I just need to heal up and start training again."
Svend teaches us three great lessons
1. Do what you can do. If injury or some other obstacle prevents you doing everything, just do something
2. When the going gets painful, keep on going unless you will cause serious injury.
3. When failure comes in one year, start preparing for the next.
Magnus Samuelsson of Sweden (aged 35, over 6 feet and 5 inches tall and also a former champion), was in decline from his previous invincible self, but he ended up third. He knew he was weak in a few events. Height is not always a help in strength events. However, he remarked "The key for me now is to score as high as possible in the events I can score high in."
Instead of being depressed by his poor showing in his least favourite events, he would concentrate on his strong events and make the most of what he could do. He had the sense to realize that every one has different skills and there is no point worrying about what you can't do well. Focus on what you can do well.
After one of his favourite events he remarked "I needed something to go right just to get my confidence back and to get proof that I am still strong." Once he had proof, his overall importance improved. He began to put in some great performances.
He had three bad events but kept going for his 'honour'. He wanted people to realize that he was still one of the strongest men in the world. He hoped to make the podium
He did not make the podium in Nassau but did eventually make the podium by coming third when the third place competitor was disqualified for failing a drugs test.
Worlds Strongest Man ! Stones Breaking With Hand by meharmakram
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/18959
