In this engaging conversation, Ben Wright and Parry Mahtouris are joined by Paul Tesoriero to share their experiences from a recent trip to Egypt for the World Parapowerlifting Championships. They discuss the chaos of driving in Egypt, the challenges of accessibility, and the unique food experiences they encountered. The importance of team dynamics and community support in sports is highlighted, along with insights into breathing techniques that can enhance performance. The conversation is filled with humour and cultural observations, making it a rich exploration of their journey. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of independence, teamwork, and personal growth within the context of powerlifting. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in competitions, highlighting the importance of teammate support and the joy of training. The discussion also emphasises the significance of mindset shifts, setting clear goals, and finding enjoyment in the process to enhance performance and overall well-being. As they reflect on their journeys, they recognise the value of community and its positive impact on their growth as athletes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Origin of 'Sexy Fingers'
05:51 Experiencing Chaos on Egyptian Roads
12:02 Transportation Challenges and Experiences
14:52 Adventures in New Cairo
18:00 Nostalgic Stories from Past Competitions
20:58 Mentorship and Team Dynamics
24:03 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Training
26:32 The Importance of Learning from Others
27:31 Breathing Techniques and Visualisation
29:55 Understanding Breathing Mechanics
31:46 The Role of Haptic Feedback in Lifting
34:48 Life Lessons from Sports and Competition
36:54 Culinary Experiences in Cairo
44:23 Cairo's Unique Environment and Safety Concerns
49:18 Highlights from the Trip
51:20 Navigating Personal Challenges and Stubbornness
52:17 The Importance of Support and Team Dynamics
54:48 Highlights of Teamwork and Shared Experiences
56:27 Reflections on Growth and Identity in Powerlifting
01:01:03 The Evolution of Powerlifting Standards and Community
01:04:36 Cultural Insights from International Competitions
01:08:04 Debriefing Competition Experiences and Mindset Shifts
01:15:31 Reconnecting with the Joy of Lifting
01:24:15 Technical Difficulties and Team Dynamics
01:25:24 Reflections on Comp Day Performance
01:29:30 Mental Resilience and Focus in Competition
01:31:06 Training Insights and Positive Reinforcement
01:33:29 Building Confidence and Community Support
01:34:03 Personal Growth and Life Changes
01:37:36 Looking Ahead: Goals and Progression
01:39:11 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training
01:49:05 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Takeaways
Ben's brother refers to him as 'sexy fingers' due to his knack for breaking tools.
The Egyptian roads are chaotic, with little regard for traffic rules.
Driving in Egypt involves navigating through a mix of vehicles, including tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carriages.
The team experienced challenges with transportation accessibility during their trip.
Food options in Cairo were limited and often disappointing, with tough meats and bland dishes.
The camaraderie among the team members was a highlight of the trip.
Breathing techniques were discussed as crucial for performance in powerlifting.
Ben found it rewarding to be part of a larger team after years of competing alone.
The importance of community support in sports was emphasised throughout the conversation.
Team support significantly enhances the training experience.
Finding joy in the process is crucial for success.
Clear goals help maintain focus and reduce anxiety.
Confidence can be rebuilt through positive experiences.
Community plays a vital role in personal growth and motivation.
Enjoying training leads to better performance outcomes.
Mindset shifts can transform competition experiences.
Progress is not just about numbers, but also about personal growth.
