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Perseverance; My Story
December 04, 09
“Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working.”(Author Unknown)
About three years ago I was faced with a decision- put my self through an extremely painful rehab and get my hand to work again or let my dominant right hand become dormant, letting all of my fitness and sports related accomplishments end at the age of 22. This is my story about a relentless drive to succeed by any means necessary.
Three years ago I was on my way to training when a van ran a stop sign and I ended up in the side of it going 40 mph on my Suzuki GSXR 750. I should have died that day from the impact alone, but instead I broke my right hand in 9 spots, tore 3 tendons, and had 3 dislocations. After surgery, which included 6 rods and over 40 stitches, the hand specialist told me I probably wouldn’t be able to write again with my right hand or use it like I use to. I was devastated to hear news like that at 22 years old.
Now, mind you, I’m right hand dominant. Before all this happened I was captain of my power lifting team in high school and played ice hockey in college. I was very active and lifting was a huge part of my life. I had aspirations to become a fitness model and a sponsored athlete, so to hear this kind of news left me in tears for a while. I dealt with many thoughts of depression and how I was going to be able to bench 315 again when I can’t even write my own name. It was overwhelming, but through friends, family, prayer and my own personal drive I decided that my mind could overcome anything. I shut out all negative thoughts and concentrated on being the best I possibly could be.
I endured 9 months of rehab and even with a cast on my arm, I started hitting the gym again. Through all the pain and frustration I gained a whole new outlook on life. LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. You live once, you play the cards in front of you and when you put your head on your pillow at night you make sure you know your doing everything you can to make your dreams come true. Life is beautiful you should spend it doing what you love. My hand permanently doesn’t close the right way and I have 3 spots of arthritis already. If you look at some of my pictures lifting or videos you can see my right hand messed up.
Now I’m back training harder then ever. Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin and the rest of the crew from Cellucor at the 2009 Arnold Classic. Since being on Cellucor’s line I have notice so many improvements. Pre photo shoot there’s nothing better than D4 thermal shock and L2, it helps me get ripped and deplete my water to look my best. I have noticed my best results from Cellucor’s Muscle Growth Kit, it has given me intense pumps and great growth and recovery.
I started modeling again last year and it’s going well. I now have several sponsorships, and I currently made the final 15 for Bodybuilding.com’s Spokesmodel of the Year for 2010. I still experience a lot of pain in my hand, and probably will forever, but pain is in the mind- drive and dedication comes from a place that is known to keep one going, a muscle called the THE HEART.
Anthony Bartoline
Guest Columnist
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Discussion
Hey Anthony. Great article man. Im glad to here that everythings going better and what a positive outlook on life! Awesome qoute at the end to bud! Keep it up!
Stay Safe,
Cory
Thanks brotha just gotta keep on Doin Work man!
Very inspiration, to have to start over after being at the top of your game bb-wise is so tough. Your story kind of reminds me of Frank Mir’s. I can tell from bodybuilding.com and your youtube vids you’re really pushing it to be the best u can, and that’s what counts.
Keep doing what you are doing and remain an inspiration for everyone! Your love and drive for this sport are incredible- as well as your love of life! Thanks for being such an amazing trainer! I have never noticed so much progress in such a short amount of time than with any other program I have tried! Cant wait to see where you are going to end up!
Great introductory quote!
I like reading this story because it reminds me not to take my fitness for granted and to be the best I can be. Keep “Doin’ Work” and being a great fitness leader for RESULTS!
What a story of perseverance. Great story of getting knocked down and not simply trying to get up but JUMPING back up higher than you were when you got knocked down. Life can throw some stuff at you but it is how you react that defines who you are.