[spoiler show=”Show info about the Arnold Sport Festival”]We’re less than a month out from the Arnold Sports Festival (site), and I wanted to go over some things. First, quite a few of us from 70’s Big will be in attendance including me, Brent, Chris, Mike, and Mike’s brother Alex (unfortunately AC won’t be able to make it). Second, I hope that many of you come to the event because a) it’s the world’s greatest sport celebration and festival and b) we can meet and hang out. Third, we’ll be staying at the University Plaza hotel. Rooms are getting booked up, but we have a few reserved that we may not need, so we can coordinate that if you wanted to stay at that hotel.
Fourth, there are tons of awesome events to see including professional boxing on Thursday night (we intend to go to that), raw powerlifting on Friday, single ply geared lifting (NAPF/IPF rule) on Saturday, USAW Senior Nationals on Friday and Saturday (doubles as Olympic trials), amateur and professional strongman, arm wrestling, pro deadlift competition on Saturday (this is what happens), CrossFit, and some other stuff like fencing, table tennis, and martial arts. This doesn’t even include the expo, which will have hundreds of booths of people trying to sell us mostly stupid stuff with scantily clad women. There may be some interesting products, but my interviews will be more interesting. I really can’t imagine a cooler weekend to round-house kick you in the face.
You are all welcome to hang out or wander around with us. I think the easiest way to stay in touch on what we’re doing is to use Twatter, so I’ll update our happenings there. That way we can share information or plan meet-ups like dinner or bowling. The bowling alley is where I’ll tell you to go if I don’t want to hang out with you: “Yeah, just meet us at the bowling alley at 8. If we’re not there on time, just hang out and we’ll be there.” I hope all of you northeastern readers will get to Columbus so that I can tell you to go to the bowling alley.
Oh, not to mention all of the actual bodybuilding stuff going on. I’ve never seen a bodybuilding show before, and this is the second biggest show of the year in the world. Shawn, Brent, and I got tickets to see that, so that’ll be interesting. Note that some events require ticket purchase, and the expo tickets are pretty cheap (10 to 15 doll hairs). In any case, it’ll be a lot of fun, and I’ll be so excited I’ll be helicoptering my wiener around, like, constantly.
Note that you will want to get expo tickets before the event. The total cost of the weekend expo pass including fees is $32.55. Otherwise it’ll be at least $13.50 per day. If you’re only going to go to Friday/Saturday expo, then it would be cheaper to get two one-day passes. Note that there is no expo on Thursday.[/spoiler]
I’d like to talk to you about an event on Saturday morning at the Arnold Sport Festival. But first, let’s go back in time.
1992. A leap year designated the “International Space Year” by the UN. A year that included American President George. H.W. Bush vomiting into the lap of Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa before fainting at a state dinner in Japan. It was a glorious year; I was six years old. The previous year the Atlanta Braves lost the 1991 World Series to the Minnesota Twins in a season when the went “from worst to first”. They were back in the playoffs in 1992, and it all came down to the final game of the NCLS against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Braves rallied from being down 2-0 in the bottom of the 9th inning of game seven. Things were TIGHT.
Fast forward to two outs, with two runners on. David Justice, who is known for banging Halle Berry, was on third, and Sid Bream, who was known for his mustache and being the slowest fucking runner in the universe, much less Major League Baseball, was on second. Bobby fucking Cox brought in another pinch hitter: Francisco Cabrera. Cabrera was in the minor leagues a few months before and had only batted about ten times before this. He was pretty much thinking, “Fuck.” Terry Pendleton, who is known for being a good hitter and having a giant ass, told him to “hit the ball over the short stop”. Apparently Pirates center fielder, Andy Van Slyke, told Barry Bonds, known to be an asshole, to play more shallow in left field. Bonds ignored him because he’s a fucking asshole.
On a 1-2 count, pitcher Stan Belinda, known for what is about to happen, threw a high fastball that Cabrera put over the short stop. Asshole Barry Bonds was too far back to field it, and David Justice easily scored. Then the unthinkable happened. The third base coach waved Sid Bream — the slowest fucking runner in the history of everything — to keep running to home plate. They had nothing to lose since the game was tied.
I’ll never forget what the next few seconds looked like. Sid Bream was running slower than a buried dead body. Seriously, this guy couldn’t beat Stephen Hawking in a foot race. Sid is running, and running…and fucking running. Asshole Barry Bonds’ throw comes into the plate. And Sid slides…AND BEATS THE TAG! THE CROWD AND ANNOUNCER GO APE SHIT! THE ATLANTA BRAVES ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES! HELICOPTER WIENER!
(Video)
This event would spark the Atlanta Braves decade long domination in the NL East, and it would also spark the last time the Pittsburgh Pirates ever had a winning season. Barry Bonds is still an asshole.
To this day, people in Atlanta still say, “Where were you when Sid slid?” It was a magical moment for Braves fans. And here is where our story comes full circle. Donny Shankle is set to lift at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 3rd at the Arnold Sport Festival. Donny has grown into a legend in the small sport of Olympic weightlifting. He has persevered through a decade of training and finally — FINALLY — has a realistic shot at making the Olympic team. This website has directly supported Donny through generous donations that have allowed him to focus all of his efforts into training — and it’s paying off.
Donny has two chances to hit a total that will earn him the one male spot on the US Olympic team. Arguably his best shot is at Nationals since he will travel to Ohio instead of South America for the Pan American Championships a few weeks later. He’ll weigh in at 8 AM, so cutting weight won’t be as bad as lifting later in the day, and he won’t have to eat South American food (known to get lifter’s sick). The Arnold is probably the time that he will hit his qualifying total to go to the Olympics.
When that moment comes, and his bar is loaded to his third, and final, clean and jerk attempt…do you want to miss that moment? When he cleans the weight in his nonchalant style, when he finally dips and drives that bar up…do you want to miss that moment? When he locks the weight out and holds it triumphantly overhead, knowing that he just made the Olympic team — a lifter we as fans have directly supported — DO YOU WANT TO MISS THAT MOMENT?
Besides, you aren’t going to see him lift at the Pan American Championships and you aren’t going to see him lift at the Olympics in London. History will remember that defining moment when Donny Shankle, a respected and seemingly legendary character, hit a clean and jerk to put him into the Olympics. People will say, “Where were you when Shankle hit it?” Hopefully it’s more classy than that, but we will all remember that moment. Where will you be? Will you miss it?
[spoiler show=”Show reactions to this story”]When Jacob Tsypkin told me he didn’t think he could make it to the Arnold, I told him this story. He then replied and said, “Fuck. You.” He now has plans to attend.
When I told Jacob Cloud this story, he said (and I quote):
Jacob:
we’ll see what i can do
fine
im gonna go drown myself in the shower now
thanks for reminding me that my life is meaningless and full of empty
LATER MAN THANKS A LOT
[/spoiler]
brb, i need to dig out my bowling shoes
JOHN FUCKING ROCKER!
Fuck I loved that era of Braves Baseball.
Donny isn’t the greatest lifter BUT Donny is probably the greatest weightlifter of all time who didn’t start training till he was 20.
Sure, you look at his numbers and they don’t compare to what the top 105s are doing, but when you look at his numbers in the context of the VERY late start he got in weightlifting, it’s extraordinary. There are very few examples of anyone who can get to such a high level in any sport with such a late start in the sport, especially in a sport like weightlifting where, unlike powerlifting or bodybuilding, everyone at the top started training in their early teens.
I love bowling, and I will never read another post of a site denigrating this noble endeavor.
I lol’d.
–Justin
You put Atlanta sports festival.
“Donny Shankle is set to lift at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 3rd at the Atlanta Sport Festival. Donny has grown into a legend in the small sport of Olympic weightlifting.”
Just helping you out bro. Also, I should be there to see it. Hope to see all you guys there!
Jesus. Thanks.
–Justin
This is your life and it’s ending one minute at a time. Don’t be the fool who sits around in his undies looking at Twatter updates during the most epic 70’s Big meetup of all time. Pull your thumb out of you ass and get to Columbus.
Justin Please Edit this post because THIS just happened
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIvlASEQhww&feature=g-all-u&context=G2615b15FAAAAAHgAXAA
Donny Cleans 225 from Blocks. I’m wondering if any other American, besides Ken Patera, has ever picked up a weight like that and put it on their shoulders.
Donny Shankle for President.
As one of the Competition Organizers, I sometimes find the checklist and to-do lists can at times take the “awe” out of the competition (like a magician who knows how the tricks are performed), but you just gave me goosebumps and lit a fire under my butt to help make this event even better than it has ever been. Thanks, and we hope to see you all in 20 days!
So you are all going to do celebratory helicopter weiners after Shankle is victorious?
Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz
Fucking guts son
I wish I could be there. I am however training at Cal Strength this Sunday at the fundraising seminar they are holding for Nationals. Heres hoping Glenn streams that shit live.
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?
[Chorus:]
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?
[Repeat Chorus 2x]
And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
@Paul,
Yes. Until my pecker falls off.
GO DONNY!!!
off topic… i’ve been trolling this site for about a month now, first time poster, and i just saw someone while at lunch who was wearing a 70’s big t-shirt in Jackson, MS! i couldn’t believe it. is there anyone else who trains in Jackson? I’m currently training in my garage gym, pretty beefy setup though.
Is anyone from DC still going? I remember someone posting about it a few weeks back. I’ll be at the workshop, but a road trip could be cool too.
How did that ’92 season work out for you? And how about that decade of “NL East domination”? 1 WS championship?
p.s. Why the Barry Bonds hate? Calling him an asshole when (I’m assuming) you’ve never met him? I bet it has something to do with Aaron…
I read this site daily, but lost a little respect finding out you are such a big Braves fan. Tell me you don’t own a tomahawk. I used to watch my fucking brother wave one of those fucking things. I got great pleasure when they lost.
I actually don’t really watch baseball, but really enjoyed it as a kid growing up in Atlanta (and I still root for the Braves). Barry Bonds is an asshole, but pointing it out superfluously was clearly for the comedy. I don’t own a tomahawk; I wave a wiener.
–Justin
#1) Fuck the Braves
#2) I’ll also be at the Arnold at the same hotel
#3) I got SC2 last week
I have a valid excuse for missing things.
@gumbo let’s talk at the workshop.
Right on.
I expect at least one bat wing in lieu of a helicopter weiner.
Donnie is awesome, but baseball is the least manly sport ever.
Just wanted to chime in to thank Justin and everyone else on this site for the support. Donny has raised enough money to have a very significant effect on how much time he has to train, and this is definately one of the big factors behind his recent improvements. And I know that a lot of that money, most of it maybe, came from you guys on this site. So no matter what happens in March, you guys had a major hand in just giving Donny a chance to really do something special. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Lot’s of people talk about doing something to help improve the state of USA weightlifting, and they talk and talk and talk and criticize a few people and thats about it. The many people here who have given $5 or $20, and the few who gave much more, you have certainly done something. That 225kg clean yesterday would NOT have happened without you guys.
Yeah, but how do we know you’re the real Glenn Pendlay. That’s it, I’m calling it: imposter.
Well, I’ll go ahead and ask; was enough money raised for Donny that AllisonNYC has to lift in a bikini?
No THANK YOU Coach Pendlay and Shankle.
i dont like having heroes or people I worship. Because it doesnt get me anywhere. But I sure as hell respect everything both you and shankle have done. Especially how you both handle criticism from so called people who want to change the sport.
And I wont be at the Arnold (fuck my life) but hopefully there will be enough people to scream shankle when he GG’s his final C&J.
Home for the weekend,
Looking for a good time;
Of all the numbers you end up calling mine.
Ready or not , I think I’ll give this a shot.
I should know better than to
Give her what she wants.
I picked her up and she was three-forths gone.
She passed out before we even got to talk.
All I want to know is:
Where were you when I needed you most?
Why did you leave me alone?
We gave up before we gave it a chance,
And I don’t understand.
Back to where we left off, baby.
“How you been and what’s been new with you lately?”
Just forget it, it’s the same old runaround.
You build me up just to let me down.
Down.
Where were you when I needed you most?
Why did you leave me alone?
We gave up before we gave it a chance,
And I don’t understand.
Just forget it, it’s the same old runaround.
Find More lyrics at http://www.sweetslyrics.com
Just forget it, just forget it.
Just forget it, it’s the same old runaround.
Just forget it, just forget it.
Where were you when I needed you most?
Why did you leave me alone?
We gave up before we gave it a chance,
And I don’t understand.
I don’t understand
Where were you when I needed you most?
Why did you leave me alone?
We gave up before we gave it a chance,
And I don’t understand.
Where were you when I needed you most?
Why did you leave me alone?
We gave up before we gave it a chance,
And I don’t understand.
Home for the weekend,
Looking for a good time
Mr. Laschek,
Have you ever thought about moving out west and training with pendlay? You seem strong, technically proficient and dedicated? Maybe you could go to the Olympics….
I’m for realz
irregardless of a moment that in this stage of my life I would absolutely love to see in person…..i have no job, therefore theres no way i can go…unless y’all want to donate to my “it’d be cool if i could afford to go see shankle” fund, paypal coming soon.
That being said, I was IN BOSTON when the SOX ended the FUCKING CURSE. 2004 ACLS 3-0 COMEBACK and WS SWEEEP MUTHAFUCKAS!!! Got chased down by mounted police, hit in the face with pepper spray, saw several pairs of titties, got chinese food.
IS THAT GOOD ENOUGH? I THINK SO.
godspeed, donny.
grumble grumble I’m a Pirates fan grumble grumble I hate Barry Bonds grumble grumble My cousin met him, says he was a jagoff which is good enough for me grumble grumble Go Bucco’s
COLUMBUS OR FTW… FUCK ALL OF YOU IF YOU AINT ABOUT THE ANROLD
OOPS SORRY I MEANT ARNOLD
I’ve always wondered something about bodybuilding shows. So, when a person goes to a football, baseball, basketball, etc etc. game it is quite obvious that many of the fans are wearing “fan apparel.” Similar to or exact replicas of what the participants are wearing. SOOOOOOOO, following this line of thought, is it encouraged to wear a thong and brown paint (depending on skin color) to a bodybuilding show?
I’ll be there
NO WHEN YOU GO TO THE ARNOLD YOU HAVE TO WEAR AN AFFLICTION SHIRT, FAGGOT. THAT IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE FAN APPAREL YOU SPEAK OF.
“Running slower than a buried dead body” … LOL … That was awesome. :-)
The big cat will be there, make sure she see’s Donnie lift! Take good care of her and I’ll email you later with some pointers on handling her…
When he wins, who else is going to storm the platform yelling SHANKLE’D SHANKLE’D!
I’m gonna drive down Saturday morning from Michigan. How should I go about this; should I get general admission tickets now or should I just get them at the door?
Is there a chance that I’m gonna get there and not get a chance to see Shankle lift?
Is 70’s Big Apparel expectable at the Arnold?
@Mully, You can get tickets at the door. Also, we’ve flipped the floorplan around this year, so the competition platform will be visible from the hallway (warm-up room is where the risers have traditionally been, with the competition platform in front of it, facing out). You’ll be able to see Donny lift!
And yes, 70s Big Apparel is acceptable, but only if the meet directors get a shirt to wear too ;-)
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@ RachelCrass, thanks a lot. I have always made up an excuse for not driving down to go to the Arnold, but this year I’m in, even if it is just on Saturday.
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