I’d bet good money that most of you didn’t watch American Gladiators growing up, and that you’re not watching the reinvented American Gladiators now. That’s okay; I completely understand. The show is certainly not for everyone. It’s full of cheese and over-the-top personalities, gouts of fire and huge foam weapons.
Okay, so maybe it is for everyone!
Nowadays, I’m watching AG for different reasons. Oh sure, the crazy games are still bunches of fun. But now that I’ve embarked on the martial arts path, I have so much more appreciation for the athletes. Have you seen the Gladiators they must “fight”? Those men and women are scary! And the games are hard. Wicked hard. If you’ve ever pushed your body to its limit and then pushed beyond it, you will recognize that look in the competitors’ eyes as they struggle with the Eliminator.
Not familiar with the Eliminator? Here’s what you’ve got (from Wikipedia):
- Climb an 8-foot wall using a rope.
- Jump into a pool from the 8-foot wall and swim 20 feet beneath a flaming surface
- Climb 30-foot cargo net
- Barrel Roll
- Handbike
- Downhill balance beam.
- Ascend the Pyramid
- Ride down the zip line
- Travelator (Treadmill)
- Climb up stairs and crash through a wall for finish
Toni Oppliger made it through the Eliminator tonight. She’s a 45-year-old single mother, and the oldest competitor this season. Toni kicks ass. She beat the other contestant, but her time didn’t qualify her for the finals. You know what? It doesn’t even matter. Toni said she wants to be an inspiration to other women — 20, 30, 40, 50, or any age. She definitely inspires me.
Her biceps are scary.
Scary? They're made of awesome! I would kill for arms like hers… I just wouldn't workout regularly for them, it turns out. :-D
Hah! I find that much sculpting fairly repulsive. It's overdone, or something. (In men and women.)
It doesn't look nearly as sculpted when she isn't flexing, but I do respect your right to have different tastes regardless. :)
she is my aunt. i can upload a pic of her outside of her gladiator suit if u want.
by the way, she gives WICKED birthday punches. OW!