This weekend, former NFL running back Herschel Walker won his first ever pro MMA event on the Strikeforce show in Florida...at age 47. The thing that impressed me was not his physique, which looked "natural" though impressive, or his cardio (which many writers have commented on), but rather his approach to the entire endeavor. After the match, he said it was the hardest thing he had ever done (think about that for a second), and gave credit to his opponent. He also mentioned that one of his motivations for trying MMA at his age was just to see if he could do it. To challenge himself. We could learn something from Walker's intrinsic motivation here, and I am sure the domain of older MMA participants is ripe for research from sport psychology and sport sociology, and motor learning and development. Not that I'm advocating hordes of 40-somethings stepping into the cage, obviously! My point is that regardless of Walker's very "green" abilities, he pushed himself into a new domain, in the public eye, and while he certainly benefitted from the exposure, our perceptions of older adults and what they can do got a rub as well.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Herschel Walker and age(less) motivation
This weekend, former NFL running back Herschel Walker won his first ever pro MMA event on the Strikeforce show in Florida...at age 47. The thing that impressed me was not his physique, which looked "natural" though impressive, or his cardio (which many writers have commented on), but rather his approach to the entire endeavor. After the match, he said it was the hardest thing he had ever done (think about that for a second), and gave credit to his opponent. He also mentioned that one of his motivations for trying MMA at his age was just to see if he could do it. To challenge himself. We could learn something from Walker's intrinsic motivation here, and I am sure the domain of older MMA participants is ripe for research from sport psychology and sport sociology, and motor learning and development. Not that I'm advocating hordes of 40-somethings stepping into the cage, obviously! My point is that regardless of Walker's very "green" abilities, he pushed himself into a new domain, in the public eye, and while he certainly benefitted from the exposure, our perceptions of older adults and what they can do got a rub as well.
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I watched this fight last night too! I did not know that he was an NFL player before hand WOW! I am very impressed with what I saw from the fight. He had an amazing body and used it to his advantage. When he fought I noticed that he had a wide stance and used his legs at a 45 degree angle to stop his opponent from pushing him over. I feel guilty now when I complain about working out and he is 47! It goes to show you though that if you put your heart and mind into someting nothing can stop you from achieving your goal. I also liked the women's fight after, Cyborg kicked ass she had Coenen on the floor the whole match!
ReplyDeleteI too was impressed with Herschel"s performance, often times former elite athletes attempt comebacks and late life resurgences only to get embarrased and shown up (ie Jose Canseco).
ReplyDeleteI would like to see Herschel take this exposure and new found calling and make an impact in the sport of MMA. I feel it would be beneficial to the growing sport to engage inner city youths (say Dallas or LA) in MMA and MMA style sports like jiu jitsu. As mentioned per class discusion last week MMA is overshadowed in those communities for various reasons like homosexual tendencies for example. Herschels presence could only help build a bridge.
Dustin Frediani
I'm surprised Herschel Walker actually won his first match. Usually former athletes that come back from retire perform awful. For example, when Michael Jordan played for the Wizards. If Herschel Walker could somehow increase his success in MMA, expect more older athletes to continue the trend, seeing that success can be accomplished.
ReplyDeleteLike the saying: Age ain't nothing but a number.
I'm not a huge fan of MMA, but having older athletes succeed is something great for sport in general. When Tom Watson almost won the open this past year, it was a great story for golf. People thought that without Tiger Woods in the match, there would be no interest. That came to be a very wrong assumption. Having Herschel Walker succeed with Strikeforce might be something that makes the news for months to come.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really followed MMA or sports too closely lately, don't ask me why, but it does give me a ton of motivation when i hear about how certain individuals set themselves for an almost impossible challenge and are able to pull through with it...i don't see why it can't be the hardest thing he's ever done, sometimes what seems simple to some can be the biggest barrier for others. It motivates me to be active for the rest of my life...
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of sport on TV at all. I did not hear about this story, but I get why it is an eye catcher. The sport, MMA, is already impressive but throw a forty-something into the mix and have him do well is motivating. It shows that people can do well at any age if they put their minds to it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think this shows that he is a true athlete and has natural "sporting" or athletic abilities. Though they are both active sports, they are different and show he has a range.
In general I think body image is over rated. Yes, he looks "natural" and has a good body, but this just goes to show that a person doesn't need to be "ripped" to do well in MMA.
After celebrity apprentice, I feel this shows this guy will do anything to get the spotlight back. I enjoyed this mostly due to the amusing announcement that a slightly gray-haired Detroit lions owner was interested in trying MMA. Although I am happy for the man who was able to accomplish his monumental goal, I feel the sport should be kept to those half his age. Although it is nice to hear that he promised his winnings to charity, I would be disappointed if it was found that he used steroids. I hope that his next fight is against Jose Canseco.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you ever feature guest posts on your blog, but I have a story I've been trying to promote on the recent legislative battle to legalize MMA in New York State. If you are at all interested, please send me an email at alexia@mmaindustries.com
ReplyDeleteThanks!
-Alexia Krause
I give Herschel Walker props for putting himself into a dangerous "sport." Although Walker is in his 40s, it does not mean that he is not able still be physically fit. There have been research that physical fitness makes our DNA younger and Walker is an excellent example.
ReplyDeleteThere are many elderly people who choose not to exercise much anymore because they feel as if they are too old for it, but that should not be an excuse.
This guy is an excellent motivation for people for are even in their 50 or 60s to start becoming more active. I believe it is never to late to start being active, because exercising is very beneficially for our health.
I think it is good to see athlete's crossing different bridges by playing different sports and pushing their bodies to the limits. This is one example that shows a swing of physical activity for the aging population. MMA has been a host for many retired professonial athletes to get a chance at testing their bodies once more. Congrats to Herschel Walker, whether we will see success for others like him only time will tell......
ReplyDeleteI also praise Hershel Walker for giving a shot at the MMA at his age and trying to prove to others that age is just a number and that no matter how old you are, if you are motivated, you can succeed to do what you wish.
ReplyDeleteAlthough he was an NFL player, he wanted to challenge himself a lot more and try the MMA which proves that he never gives up and wantes to cross every obstacle that comes is way. He seems extremely hardworking and self-motivated, which is hard to find in older individuals these days.
These qualitites will only benefit him in the future and keep him healthy.
It is good to see athletes such as Herschel Walker putting their bodies to the test. I hope to see more athletes trying other sports rather than just being a professonial athlete in one sport. He is motivation for anyone who uses their age as an excuse for their 50lbs of excess fat. America needs change one adult at a time.
ReplyDelete