THE REGION’S NO.1 SPORT&FITNESS MAGAZINE
Sport&Fitness Middle East In association with
Middle East
ISBN 978-9948-15-428-0
9 789948 154280
Issue 11 Dh10; BD1; RO1; QR10; KD1; SR10; £1.95
Play it. Follow it. Read it
Welcome to Sport & Fitness Middle East TIME TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES! SUMMER is starting to heat up and we’ve got a red hot issue in store for your reading pleasure. Few sounds in sport are more pleasing to the ear than that of leather on willow and it’s a sound that millions of fans around the world have heard on countless occasions this year as cricket has dominated the sporting schedule. The old English gentleman’s game is the world’s second most popular sport but in the Indian subcontinent it rules supreme and Sachin Tendulkar, the man they call The Little Master is King. Our cover star talks about his astonishing rise from a humble cricketing beginning, through the ranks of the game, culminating in his inspirational role in India’s World Cup triumph over Sri Lanka earlier this year. We’ve been on our travels to the United States, where ‘The Pacman,’ Manny Pacquiao, was up to his old tricks again – demolishing opponents with consummate ease. The eight-weight boxing World Champion’s latest victim was Shane ‘Sugar’ Mosley whom Pacquiao beat with a unanimous points victory at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, barely breaking sweat. The returning Floyd Mayweather now represents the only credible challenge out there for the Filipino boxing legend. If that fight doesn’t happen it’s surely time for Pacquaio to hang up his gloves and concentrate on his burgeoning political career. Never one to turn down an opportunity to hobnob with the stars, our Features Editor Richard Bevan could barely contain his excitement when the offer of an exclusive interview with Hollywood mega-star Eva Mendes came through to SFME Towers. The Latino beauty reveals all about her role as Reebok EasyTone’s latest ambassador and her life as one of the world’s hottest actors. One of the best and most enjoyable ways of keeping in shape is dance, and we visited the Dubai International Dance Festival to see the best in the business shake their thing before catching up with renowned South American Salsa duo, Anne & Anichi. Fitness First members have the chance to dance their way to a better body as Zumba Fitness makes its debut this summer. We’ve got the lowdown on the fitness craze that has taken the world by storm over the past four years. If you’re struggling for motivation when it comes to reaching your fitness goals, have a read of our feature on The Real Supermen. These guys make ordinary marathon runners look like couch potatoes and their achievements are truly mind-boggling. Another man who knows a thing or two about fitness is Manchester United’s recently retired right back Gary Neville. The ex-England international needed to get in shape for one final hurrah at his testimonial match in May and he has shared with us the circuit-training regime that helped him do it. Fitness First’s Corporate Wellness Manager Hisem Hagras answers your questions on how to get that perfect summer body and, more importantly, how to hold on to it. In keeping with our love of extreme sports, we delve into the world of kite buggying, a sport that has been steadily growing in popularity in the UAE over the past 10 years, by catching up with UK and European kite buggy champion Craig Sparkes. We round off this bumper summer issue with a Q&A with luscious Russian long-jumper Darya Klishina. Told you it was a sizzler! We hope you have as much fun reading the magazine as we’ve had creating it.
Alex Gallemore Editor
Page 1
Contents
72
Features 22
Cover Story: Sachin Tendulkar
32
Eva Mendes Exclusive
40
Dubai International Dance Festival
46
Manny Pacquiao
52
Zumba Fitness
68
The Real Supermen
72
Craig Sparkes
The legendary Indian batsman has been one of the most feared run-makers in the history of the game but what makes The Little Master tick?
The stunning Hollywood star reveals how she stays in such wonderful shape and how wearing Reebok EasyTone shoes and clothing is making it a little easier.
68
Renowned South American Salsa duo, Anne & Anichi, lit up the recent Dubai Dance Festival with their dazzling performances.
Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather is the only credible fight remaining for the Filipino legend. But will the American put his money where his mouth is? The dance fitness phenomenon that’s sweeping the world has come to Fitness First Middle East. Find out what all the fuss is about. This stuff makes for exhausting reading. These guys are seriously fit and perhaps just a little crazy! The UK and European kite buggy champion talks about his high-flying career in one of the world’s fastest growing extreme sports.
32 61
46
Sport&Fitness Middle East Partners
Regulars 12
Sports News
17
Sports Calendar
58
ASK Hisem
61
Fitness & Nutrition
78
Candy Shop
52
A concise look at recent happenings in the Middle East and around the sporting globe.
A look ahead at what’s happening over the summer on the local and international sports scene.
Fitness First’s Corporate Wellness Manager answers your questions on how to create and maintain the perfect summer body.
Our guide to beating the bulge and keeping your body and lifestyle in tip-top shape.
We catch up with gorgeous Russian long jumper Darya Klishina.
58 22
water Michael Bourez rides the surf in Peniche, Portugal.
Page 5
Photocredit: Damea Dorsey
air Horacio Llorens flies his paraglider above Santa Catarina Palopo in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
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Photocredit: JJ Marroquin
ice Josh Bibby shows off his freeskiing moves on Silverton Mountain, Colorado, USA.
Page 9
Photocredit: Mike Arzt
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NEWS
BAHRAIN GP OFF THE F1 SCHEDULE HAVING been announced on Friday June 3rd that a new date had been set for the Bahrain GP by F1’s governing body, the FIA, the organisation subsequently reversed the decision following rumblings of discontent among the drivers. The race, originally due to take place on March 13th before civil unrest in Bahrain led to a postponement, had been rescheduled for October 30th with the Indian GP moved to December to accommodate it. But several teams are unhappy with the decision. Red Bull’s Australian driver Mark Webber doubted whether the race would take place saying: “Even though a decision has been made, I’ll be highly surprised if the Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead in 2011. In my personal opinion, the sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in the hope of being able
to reschedule it in 2011. “It would have sent a very clear message about F1’s position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues.” Just one day after the decision had been made 393,000 people had signed a petition calling on F1 teams to publicly state their opposition to the race taking place and F1’s commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone admitted that the race could not take place without the consent of the teams taking part. “Hopefully we can return in the future, but of course it’s not on,” he said. The schedule cannot be rescheduled without the agreement of the participants – they’re the facts.” The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) subsequently wrote to the sport’s governing body, the FIA, calling for the rescheduling of the Bahrain Grand Prix to be abandoned for 2011 and on June 15th the FIA announced that the race had been cancelled.
USAIN BOLT MAKES WINNING RETURN IN DIAMOND LEAGUE THREE-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt clocked the fastest 200m race time this year as he romped to a 0.5s victory over Jaysuma Saidy Ndure in a rainy Oslo in June. The Jamaican was in imperious form, winning with ease in his first 200m race in 13 months with a time of 19.86, just five-hundredths of a second off Frankie Frederick’s track-time record. “You can’t expect to come out here and run 19.5 secs in my first race,” said the world 100m and 200m record holder. “It is all about technique now to get the icing on the cake and I’m heading home to work on that.”
AL AHLI CEO PROMISES ‘TOP COACH’ DUBAI-based Al Ahli FC’s Chief Executive Officer has promised supporters that the Club will soon appoint a top quality coach to replace David O’Leary after the Irishman was dismissed earlier in the season. After Al Ahli were defeated 2-1 by Bani Yas in the final match of a disappointing season which saw them finish eighth in the UFL. CEO Ahmad Khalifa Hammad said: “We have an excellent list of candidates and we are going to definitely select someone this month. “The players report back on July 10 for preseason training and the new coach will be in place before that. We would like to do this as soon as possible because there will be a lot of work for him to carry out. “He will be a foreign coach, not a UAE national. “He may come from Britain, Europe or South America. I will not discuss names but what I will say is that he will be top quality who will move the club forward. “We want someone with good experience and a track record of working with young players, someone who can help us win trophies. We will make an announcement soon.” Former coach Ivan Hasek, who lead the team to the UFL title in the 2008-2009 season, is thought to be in pole position to return to the job. The club signalled their intentions for the new season by signing talented Brazilian striker Grafite from Wolfsburg.
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MOTOGP TO EXPAND IN 2012 THE number of riders competing in MotoGP looks set to increase dramatically for the 2012 season. There are currently 10 teams. While grid sizes have been made up of around 17 bikes for the past four seasons, each of the existing teams have been guaranteed spots for next year. But the FIM revealed that they had invited 11 further teams, comprising 16 riders, have been invited to join in the next stage of selection to compete in next year’s championship. The successful teams were set to be revealed following the Catalan Grand Prix.
MCILROY CRUISES TO US OPEN GLORY RORY MCILROY ripped up the record books after four astonishing days of golf at Congressional earned him his first Major championship as he was crowned US Open champion. The 22-year-old Northern Irishman led from start to finish as he cruised to an eight shot victory with rounds of 65, 66, 68, 69 for a tournament record total of 16-under 268. His win made him the youngest US Open champion since Bobby Jones, 88 years ago in 1923 and the youngest Major winner since Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters.
He was the quickest player in the event’s history to reach 10-under, which he achieved after just 26 holes; the first to better 12-under and the first to reach 17-under. His 36-hole total of 131 was the lowest in history while his six stroke halfway lead matched Woods’ record set in 2000 and his 54-hole total of 199 was also a record. “The whole week has been incredible – I could not have asked for any more and I am so happy to hold this trophy,” said McIlroy, whose victory elevated him to fourth in the World Ranking.”
MARADONA GIVES UFL HUGE BOOST THE UFL is set for a huge boost when Argentine football legend Diego Maradona takes the reigns as Al Wasl’s new coach for the next two seasons, according to coaches and players in the league. “He is an excellent marketing tool for the country’s football,” Bani Yas and National Team Coach, Mahdi Ali, explained. “He has already made big international news with his move to join Al Wasl and I feel it is an exciting new development for the sport in the country. I can’t foresee his future with Wasl but his presence alone would mean a lot for both the club and the country.” Haider Ali, Al Wahda captain, said: “Someone as famous as Maradona signing for an Emirati club is unbelievable.
It is a very significant development and it paves the way for some of the world’s best coaches and players to join the Emirati clubs.”
THORPE TO TRAIN FOR OLYMPICS IN ABU DHABI AUSTRALIAN swimming legend Ian Thorpe is to train for the 2012 London Olympics in Abu Dhabi later this year. The freestyle swimmer, who won five Olympic gold medals before retiring in 2006, announced his return to the sport in February before visiting the UAE’s capital in March to check out the facilities at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club, which include a 50m Olympic-standard pool. Thorpe will set up a training camp in Abu Dhabi in September as he continues his preparations for an eagerly anticipated showdown with record breaking US swimmer Michael Phelps. Page 13
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NEWS Shaquille O’Neal retires NBA LEGEND Shaquille O’Neal recently announced via his twitter feed that he is set to retire after a career that spans nearly two decades at the top level. “We did it. Nineteen years baby. I want to thank you very much, that’s why I’m telling you first, I’m about to retire,” said O’Neal in his message. During his 19-year career, O’Neal has played for six teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix, Cleveland and currently is at Boston. Since joining the Phoenix Suns in 2008 he has been plagued by an Achilles injury and this year during his time at the Boston Celtics he has played just 37 games and made only three appearances since February 1st. A spokesman for the Celtics says the player has not notified them of his plans. O’Neal ranks fifth on the all-time NBA scoring list with 28,596 points and he won a gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, where he was a member of the US “Dream Team III”.
Mayweather to return against Ortiz in September FLOYD Mayweather has confirmed he will challenge Victor Ortiz for the WBC welterweight title on September 17 this year, 15 months after he defeated Shane Mosley on points. “My fans have been waiting long enough,” said the unbeaten 34-year-old. “At this stage of my career, these are the challenges I look for, a young, strong, rising star looking to make his mark in boxing by beating me.” American Ortiz, 24, won his title from defending champion Andre Berto in Connecticut in April but he was knocked down twice before winning via a unanimous points decision. “I respect Mayweather because he has been a champion for many years and I know he will be ready, but so will I,” said Ortiz, who has lost only twice in 33 fights. “I’m a world champion for a reason and I’m not going to let go of my title any time soon. This is going to be a great fight, but I will remain a world champion for many years to come.”
News Cycling leader proposes doping rule change THE International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid is putting forward the notion of banning any rider who has been previously found guilty of doping from becoming a team manager. One man this would affect is Bjarne Riis, the current manager of three-time Tour de France
winner Alberto Contador’s team, who admitted using drugs after he won the Tour de France in 1996. “I’m not happy. There are team managers who have been doping as athletes themselves,” McQuaid said. “They must understand the responsibility they have to the sport.” McQuaid will take his proposal to the management committee of the UCI and admits that the problems he allures to are not unique to cycling. “Any cyclist who is involved in a doping infraction in their career cannot come back into team management in the future,” he said. “We suffer, and all sports suffer from the fact that athletes tend to become officials afterwards. There’s a constant circle, and it’s very hard to break.”
NEW MANAGEMENT AT FITNESS FIRST FITNESS FIRST is pleased to announce some real strengthening to their Management Team. The key appointment has been new Chief Operating Officer George Flooks. George has a wealth of experience from all around the globe within the health and fitness industry. Most importantly, nearly seven of those years have been spent with Fitness First UK and Australia where George held senior executive positions. Mark Botha has also joined the team to head up Sales and Marketing. Mark also has a wealth of experience in many different disciplines within health and fitness industry. CLUB IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE MEMBERS and visitors to the gyms may have noticed the facelifts that have been occurring within Fitness First clubs across the region. The Fitness First team would like to thank all those who have made their positive comments known and the management have reiterated their determination to continue on their quest to bring the clubs back to the state that you deserve. Some of the recent changes include: New Saunas in UpTown Mirdif, Ibn Battuta and Festival City. Flooring has been replaced in Ibn,
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Festival City, Dubai Financial Gate, Al Musala Towers UpTown Mirdif and Burjuman. An extension to the ladies only club in Oasis Mall Dubai with an additional 14,000 square feet now available for mixed usage, so gents feel free to come along and see it! The club also boasts the first Freestyle area. Freestyle is a new concept from Fitness First utilising equipment rather than machines and allowing you to experiment with different movements. Keep an eye out in your club as it will be coming your way over the next few months. There will be more information regarding Freestyle in the coming issues. Zumba Fitness Arrives! GYM users can’t fail to have noticed that Zumba Fitness has launched with a terrific reception in the majority of Fitness First clubs in the region via a special road show. Zumba Fitness truly is a world phenomenon and Fitness First is proud to now be the region’s largest deliverer of this unique programme. Zumba, which has its roots in Latin dance, is for all ages and abilities and you only need two things to take part – a big smile on your face and the desire to party in true South American fashion. Find out more about it in our featured article on pg 46.
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JUNE JUNE 11th – 25th FOOTBALL UEFA European Under-21 Championships, Denmark
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The stars of the future take on each other in the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark. Defending Champions Germany despatched England 4-0 in the 2009 final but missed out on an appearance this summer after failing to qualify. This year England and Spain are the favourites and they meet in the group stages as eight teams go head-to-head for the championship. Top scouts from across Europe’s big clubs will descend on Denmark in an attempt to unearth a hidden gem.
20th June - 3rd July TENNIS The All England Lawn Tennis Championships, Wimbledon, England The third Grand Slam of the year and easily the most prestigious, The Wimbledon Championships get more entertaining as the years pass with the standard of tennis reaching new heights every time a major tournament comes along. Last year witnessed one of the greatest matches in its history as John Isner defeated Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68 in the first round after a marathon which went on for 11 hours. Rafal Nadal won his second Wimbledon title last year with a straight-sets win over Czech Tomas Berdych while Serena Williams continued her dominance of the Ladies game with a straight-sets win over Russia’s Vera Zvonareva.
best of the rest in June FOOTBALL Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures
MOTOR CYCLING Moto GP rd 5, Catalunya, Spain
CRICKET 3rd- 7th – Second Test, Lords,
June 10th RUGBY LEAGUE England v Exiles, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds
London 16th- 20th – Third Test, Rose Bowl, Southampton CRICKET Sri Lanka tour of EnglandLumpur, Malaysia June 3rd - 5th
June 12th HOCKEY FIH 33rd Men’s Champions Trophy, TBC, India. June 16th-19th GOLF US OPEN Championship, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
June 23rd - 25th MOTOR CYCLING Moto GP rd 7, Assen, Netherlands June 24th - 26th MOTOR RACING Formula 1 European Grand prix, Valencia, Spain
June 16th - 19th MOTOR RACING FIA World Rally Championship: Acropolis Rally, Athens, Greece
June10th-12th MOTOR RACING Formula 1 - Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal, Canada June10th - 12th MOTOR CYCLING Moto GP rd 6, Silverstone, Great Britain
June 17th - 19th ROWING World Cup 2, Hamburg, Germany June 21st - 25th SQUASH Asian Junior Individual Championship, Amman, Jordan
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June 25th - 26th CYCLING 2011 UCI Mountain bike Marathon World Championships, Montebelluna, Italy June 26th MOTOR RACING NASCAR Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California, USA.
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JULY July 2nd – 24th
CYCLING Tour de France 2011, France The Tour de France is cycling’s most prestigious road race in the world as well as one of the most physiologically demanding athletic events. With just two days of rest in 21 days (or stages – as they are referred to) of racing, athletes are put the test across France’s terrain in a battle of physical and mental strength. Last year saw Alberto Contador (right) take the overall honour, despite failing to win a single stage during the three weeks. The winner of each stage traditionally wears the yellow jersey.
best of the rest July 2nd BOXING IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Title fight: Wladimir Klitschko v David Haye
July 16th - 31st SWIMMING World Swimming and Diving Championships (50m), Shanghai, China July 18th - 24th TENNIS WTA Baku Cup, Baku, Azerbaijan
July 21st –25th: First Test, Lords, London July 29th – 2nd August: Second Test, Trent Bridge, Nottingham July 8th - 10th MOTOR RACING Formula 1, British Grand Prix, Silverstone, Great Britain July 8-11th ROWING World Cup 3, Lucerne, Switzerland July 13th - 16th BADMINTON Bahrain International Series 2011, Manama, Bahrain
CRICKET India tour of England July 20th - 25th SQUASH Women’s World Junior Individual Championship, Cairo, Egypt
Newly-crowned Cricket World Cup Champions, India, travel to England for a four match Test series, six One-Day Internationals and a day/night Twenty20 match at Old Trafford, Manchester.
July 22nd- 24th MOTOR RACING Formula 1, German Grand Prix, Nurburgring, Germany July 29th -31st MOTOR CYCLING World Superbike Championship round 9, Silverstone, Great Britain
July 14th - 17th TABLE TENNIS ITTF Morocco Open, Rabat, Morocco July 14th - 17th GOLF: The 140th Open Championship, Royal St Georges Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent, England
July 29th - 31st MOTOR RACING Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest. Hungary Page 19
There are certain sportsmen and women who are synonymous with their sport. In India, the national sport of cricket is Sachin Tendulkar.
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‘match At my first Test I was very
confident because I had been rubbing shoulders with the senior guys – some of whom were twice my age. That helped. It gave me confidence and allowed me to believe in my ability.
’
T
HE 38-year-old Tendulkar has blessed the game with his presence, breaking almost every record in the book. The Little Master has scored 51 Test centuries in 177 caps and notched 48 tons in One Day Internationals since making his debut back in 1989. His career was defined by the vital part he played in India’s World Cup triumph earlier this year. When he inspired India’s victory over Sri Lanka in the World Cup Final in Mumbai on April 2 it brought back memories of the days when Tendulkar grew up playing cricket on the nearby Shivaji Park as a youngster. “My brother Ajit was the one who spotted the talent in me and that’s how I started playing,” explains Tendulkar. “If my brother hadn’t been there I probably would never have played cricket. Ajit was a good player, and when you have an elder brother you look up to him and want to be like him. So I wanted to be good at cricket just like him.” The speed at which Sachin progressed was astonishing. At the age of 15 he was an Indian State player and, incredibly, at 16 a Test cricketer. “I was picked for Mumbai’s first class team which played in the Ranji Trophy, the top domestic competition in India,” he says. “There were players like Dilip Vengsarkar and I think there were about eight or nine international players in the team. I was 14 at the time. Vengsarkar, who at that time was Captain of the Indian team, invited me to bat in India’s nets and asked allrounder Kapil Dev and the others to have a go at me, just to see if I was ready to play first class cricket. “After that net session he was pretty happy with me. He presented me with a cricket bat and said I was ready. I made my first-class debut later that year.”
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‘I wanted the
aggression of Richards and the focus and concentration of Gavaskar in my game. I had this fascination of hitting the ball as hard as possible and as far as possible. But also I knew that if I wanted to change the momentum of the game I should be able to control it by leaving the ball and hanging around at the crease for a while.’
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Tendulkar excelled in his first season and ended the 1988 campaign as Mumbai’s top run scorer. The following year he was called up for India’s Tour of Pakistan and made his debut in Karachi scoring 15 in his first innings, bowled by the fearsome speedster, Waqar Younis, who was also making his Test debut. “At my first Test match I was very confident because I had been rubbing shoulders with the senior guys – some of whom were twice my age,” he says. “That helped. It gave me confidence and allowed me to believe in my ability. “However, my first Test was difficult for me. I feared for my future. I felt a bit out of place. But, thankfully, I was given another chance and in my second Test match I scored 59 runs. That’s when I believed that ‘Yes, I belong here’.”
‘Quite a thrill’ The following summer he scored his first century at Old Trafford on India’s tour of England. It was a performance which Wisden likened to his hero Sunil Gavaskar. “I grew up watching Vivian Richards and Sunil Gavaskar – they were my batting heroes,” says Sachin. “I wanted the aggression of Richards and the focus and concentration of Gavaskar in my game. I had this fascination of hitting the ball as hard as possible and as far as possible. But also I knew that if I wanted to change the momentum of the game I should be able to control it by leaving the ball and hanging around at the crease for a while.” The young Tendulkar also watched his fair share of Australian cricket while growing up. In 1992 he underlined his promise by becoming the youngest ever player to score a Test century on Australian soil with an innings of 148 not out in India’s third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Famed Australian leg spinner and later revered television commentator, Richie Benaud, described it as ‘one of the best innings I’ve ever seen.’ “I used to wake up early mornings in India, watching Australia play on television and then in 1992 there I am playing only my 14th Test against the likes of Alan Border, Craig McDermott, Dean Jones, David Boon – all these big names. I used to watch them play – and then, suddenly, here I am playing against them. It was quite a thrill.” Sachin followed his Sydney ton with another century in Perth and although India lost the series 4-0 it was clear that a new cricketing star was fast emerging on 4
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the world stage. Australian wicket keeper Ian Healy – a man who had a close up view of the youngster’s precocious talent – led the plaudits. “As a wicketkeeper I can tell you he was the lightest batsman on his feet I have ever seen,” said Healy. “In one Test match he was hitting balls off Shane Warne out of the rough, moving down the pitch. After he’d the ball I’d think, ‘How did he get to that ball?’ I didn’t even hear him. “I was only two years into my own career so I didn’t really get into the hype that was surrounding him, but it did dawn on me at the end of the series that he was something special. It was amazing to think he was so young.”
‘Really important to me’ Tendulkar puts his lightning-fast development down to his cricketing experience on Shivaji Park and his own personal upbringing in a very supportive family. “I played a lot of practice matches on Shivaji Park which gave me a ‘match’ temperament and taught me how to handle different situations in a game,” he says. “My brothers and my coach would watch and after the games we would sit together and discuss how I performed. When you are learning to play cricket it’s the small things that you pick up that you remember – so this period of my life was really important for me in my development. “My father was also very supportive. He left my decisions up to me – he gave me an open choice. He said: ‘If you wish to be a cricketer and wish to play for India then you will have all my support, as long as you are true to yourself. You work hard and lead a disciplined
‘was My father also very
supportive. He left my decisions up to me – he gave me an open choice. He said: ‘If you wish to be a cricketer and wish to play for India then you will have all my support, as long as you are true to yourself, you work hard and lead a disciplined life.’ For me that’s it. That’s who I am.’ Page 27
life.’ For me – that’s it. That’s who I am.” Tragically, his father died in 1999 while Sachin was playing in the World Cup in England and he flew back to be with his family. He missed India’s game with Zimbabwe but returned just five days later and scored a century against Kenya. His work ethic and the fact that he has avoided controversy off the pitch are as much a part of his popularity worldwide as his ability with the bat. “That’s all due to my upbringing,” he says again, referring to his early life in Mumbai. “All credit to my siblings and my parents because without them my life would have been very different – difficult even. In the latter stages of my career my wife Anjali has been equally important. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.” The 1999 World Cup ended disappointingly for India as they crashed out in the Super Six phase prior to the semi-finals and four years later in South Africa they were torn apart by Australia in the final, losing by 125 runs. Set a target of 359 to win at 7.18 runs per over Tendulkar started the run chase but lasted only five deliveries – caught and bowled by Glenn McGrath for just four runs. The Aussies, buoyed by the prize wicket of Tendulkar, removed the rest of India’s batting line up, dismissing India for a total of 234 in 39.2 overs to be crowned World Champions for the second time.
Last chance to triumph Despite his disappointing innings in the final, Tendulkar was named Player of the Tournament in amassing 673 runs in just 11 matches. He was determined to make up for falling at the final hurdle but in India’s Tour of the West Indies in 2007, India failed to get out of their group stage with one win against Bermuda and losses to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Earlier this year, India had their best chance of World Cup glory with the Championship being co-hosted between themselves, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Tendulkar, now 38, knew this was his last chance to triumph in the one-day game. India got off to a superb start with Tendulkar making two centuries, taking his tally to 99 hundreds, as they progressed through their group matches with ease. But they then came up against the might of three-time winners and defending champions Australia in the second round. The Aussies were restricted to only 260-6 in their 50 overs and with Tendulkar opening the batting he set India on their way with 53 runs from 68 balls as they won with two overs to spare. In the semi-final Tendulkar scored 85 as India beat Pakistan by 29 runs in Chandigarh to set up a final with neighbours Sri Lanka
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‘I’ve played so much of my cricket in Mumbai
and to win the World Cup, to lift that trophy in Mumbai in front of my home crowd was just the ultimate thing. Every time we heard the national anthem throughout the tournament it gave us goosebumps. We were inspired by the crowds – they were with us every step of the way and we were playing for them and everyone as well as ourselves.’ in Mumbai – thus creating one of the great cricket matches in recent history with both sides giving it their all for glory. Sri Lanka, the defeated finalists in 2007, batted first and set India a target of 275 to win at a rate of just under a run a ball. Virenda Sehwag and Tendulkar opened the run chase but pace bowler Lasith Malinga dealt them an early blow by trapping Sehwag lbw for a duck off only the second ball. When Malinga struck again – this time taking Tendulkar for 18 in the sixth over – Sri Lanka were flying. However Gautam Gambhir steadied the ship with an excellent 97 off 122 balls and when captain M.S. Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 91 from a mere 79 balls, ably supported by Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli who never let the run-rate drop, India took the Championship with eight balls to spare to send the crowd delirious. “I have dreamt of that success many times,” says Tendulkar. “I started playing cricket hoping that one day I’d have that trophy in my hands – and I didn’t give up. I continued chasing my dream and I worked hard for it.
‘Cried tears of joy’’ “So many times earlier we were not successful but this was a wonderful team effort. We played exceptionally well. I had never cried tears of joy before – until then. I have celebrated many things during my career, but that was the first time that had happened. It was certainly memorable. “This current One Day team is definitely the best team I’ve ever been involved with – in all departments, batting, bowling and fielding. In the knockout stage we peaked at the right time and that is the most important thing. “Everything clicked – batting, bowling and in the field. It wasn’t quite there at the beginning but then in those last three matches, difficult games against Australia,
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Pakistan and then Sri Lanka in the final, it all came together and you could see it. We did everything well at the right time, and that is what we wanted to do. We have a lot of matchwinners who on a good day can take a game away from the opposition on their own. Also, we had the best captain. M.S. Dhoni did a fabulous job. He took a totally open approach with the players, calm but very sharp and alert. He took everything on board and more often than not the right decision was made.” Amidst the immediate hysteria that followed India’s win, Tendulkar was hoisted on his team-mates’ shoulders and paraded around the Wankhede Stadium in a lap of honour in front of his adoring public.
‘Unbelievable gesture’ “To do a lap of honour like that was extremely emotional for me and the gesture was unbelievable,” he says. “Immediately after the last match was over and we had the trophy in our hands we kept telling ourselves this trophy is ours and it was difficult to accept everything that was happening around us. It was like a fairytale. “I’ve played so much of my cricket in Mumbai and to win the World Cup, to lift that trophy in Mumbai in front of my home crowd was just the ultimate thing. Every time we heard the national anthem throughout the tournament it gave us goosebumps. We were inspired by the crowds – they were with us every step of the way and we were playing for them and everyone as well as ourselves.” One thing not on Tendulkar’s mind during India’s tense knock-out matches was notching his 100th international century. His two tons in the group stage had taken his ODI ton tally to 48 and with 51 Test centuries he needed just one more to complete the remarkable feat of 100 international hundreds. “A lot of people obviously wanted me to get that 4
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‘You can’t say 100th hundred, but it was not about that. It was about the trophy – the World Cup – and we managed that,” he says. “The rest, the personal goals, will follow, and that’s fine. The important thing is we won the World Cup.” Putting the team first, as a priority ahead of his own personal achievement worked in relieving some of the pressure from his batting displays and he admits that any pressure he did feel came from within. “I don’t think there was any massive pressure. The pressure came from ourselves – from my own expectations of wanting to do something special for the team,” he says. “Nobody was thinking ahead about the possibility of lifting the trophy. We wanted to follow the process. The only thing on our minds was working out how we could restrict Sri Lanka and then chase the target. We focussed all our efforts on doing that. “Winning was the proudest moment of my life, my sixth World Cup and finally it happened – it’s the ultimate achievement. It just goes to show, it’s never too late. My passion for the game has not diminished and my love for the game is still as strong as ever. I don’t see any reason for that to change.
‘Enjoy the game’ “ This is a time for me to enjoy the game even more! I am looking ahead and I know I will continue to enjoy the game.” Fresh from his heroics at the World Cup Tendulkar again took the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians for the fourth edition of the Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL) which began in April. The Little Master continued his fine form in their opening match, scoring an unbeaten 46 off 50 balls as they easily defeated the Delhi Daredevils by eight wickets. Two days later he scored an unbeaten 55 off 46 balls as they cruised to victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore and after a comfortable season during which they looked odds-on to finish in the top-four playoff places they lost three in a row from match 11 to match13, leaving them needing to win their final match to finish third in the league and make it into the play-off. Set a target of 176 to win in 20 overs Mumbai left it late, securing victory on the last delivery of the match with 21 scored off the last over to seal the win.
to yourself, ‘I want to get to this level and I can’t get any better’ because you make mistakes. If you make mistakes there’s always room to get better. As we know, everyone makes mistakes – so the harder you work the fewer mistakes you make.’
‘Time with my children’ The last-ditch victory set up an eliminator match with the Kolkater Knight Riders which Mumbai won easily by five wickets, which led to a semi-final match with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, it proved a step too far for Tendulkar and his men as Chris Gayle inspired Bangalore to a 43-run victory after smashing 89 from only 47 balls. This exit left Tendulkar with more time to spend with his family and then prepare for India’s Test series in England and the prospect of him hitting his landmark century at Lords in what will be the 2,000th Test Match ever staged. “I have not had much time with my children,” said Tendulkar after Mumbai’s last game before deciding to opt out of India’s three-Test tour of the West Indies. “If I don’t spend time with them now during their school holidays, I would have to wait another year to do so. The kids (daughter Sara and son Arjun) were very thrilled because we hadn’t discussed this with them, so they
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didn’t know anything. It was a great surprise for them.” After such a hectic and prolonged period of action, which witnessed some of his finest cricket, Tendulkar deserved valuable time away from the game to recharge his batteries and refocus. When he takes on England he will be suitably rested and ready for battle. Many of Tendulkar’s current Indian team-mates were barely out of school when he made his first class debut and the superstar sees himself as a chain, linking the players of the past who influenced him, and passing on that knowledge to the current crop of Indian stars.
‘Decent contribution’ “Something which I’m really proud of is the fact that I have been able to inspire the next generation in some respects,” he smiles. “Richards and Gavaskar inspired me, and watching them, sitting at home I thought ‘yes, I want to score runs and play on the same grounds’ so I think I’ve made a decent contribution in doing that for the next generation. “Cricket is my life and practice isn’t boring. The day I feel that practice is boring is maybe when I should start thinking about doing something else. It’s enjoyable. I’m working really hard, wanting to improve. I enjoy all aspects of it. “You can’t say to yourself, ‘I want to get to this level and I can’t get any better’ because you make mistakes. If you make mistakes there’s always room to get better. As we know, everyone makes mistakes – so the harder you work the fewer mistakes you make.” Cricketers, and indeed sportsmen and women from around the globe, can be inspired by Sachin’s success. At 38 he’s still as hungry as he was at 18 and he’s showing no signs of letting up. Bowlers beware. n
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
Tone up the
Mendes way Eva
E
VA Mendes, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has become the latest big name celebrity to join Reebok as brand ambassador for the EasyTone range of footwear and apparel. Mendes, star of such blockbuster hits as The Other Guys, Training Day, and 2 Fast 2 Furious, follows the likes of Helena Christenson and Kelly Brook, into the role as the face of EasyTone. EasyTone products are innovatively designed to tone up the body as you go about your every day life. The clothing uses ResisTone bands to create resistance as you move while the shoes use balance ball-inspired pods that make you work that little bit harder when you walk or run. Unlike other toning shoes and apparel on the market, EasyTone actually look pretty stylish too. The Latino beauty is a good choice for the brand. No stranger to a challenge herself, Eva was brought up by her mother in the Los Angeles suburb of Glendale, and got her big break in modelling when an agent stumbled across photographs of her that had been taken by a neighbour. After appearing in a few music videos she progressed to a series of minor roles in smaller films in the late 1990s before her big break came when she landed a part in the Oscar-winning Training Day, starring Denzel Washington. She’s gone on to defy convention of what roles Hollywood would expect a beautiful Latino girl to land, shining in a number of mainstream comedy roles and proving herself a highly talented, versatile actor. Here Eva talks exclusively to Richard Bevan about her new role as the face of Reebok EasyTone and her life on and off the silver screen.4
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‘I love food. I’m obsessed with chocolate and love to eat it. But I don’t believe in denying myself anything!’
SFME: How you look is obviously important in your line of work – how often do you work out and is it something that you enjoy? EM: I exercise as often as I can! I try to work out six times a week, which makes me pretty happy – but then I also try to be as active as possible so if I’m not actually getting to the gym, I still get the benefits of exercising! I try to exercise outside as much as possible.
EM: I don’t have a set fitness routine, which in some ways makes it easier for me to stay fit when I’m on the set or I’m traveling. I try to get outside whenever I can for walks and hikes in my EasyTone shoes, and I like to run, too. I used to run track in high school and I’m actually a pretty good runner! I’m lucky that a lot of the roles I play in films require me to be pretty active, so sometimes I get a workout just from being on set.
SFME: What is your idea of a typical workout and what is your regular routine? EM: Every day I try to do something active, whether it’s walking my dog Hugo, doing yoga, lifting some light weights or going for a run. I need to change it up a lot to keep it fun and exciting – the minute I have a fitness routine, and it feels routine, is the minute I know I need to change it and do something else to keep myself motivated and stay fit.
SFME: Have you followed any of the fashionable diets that sweep through Hollywood on a yearly basis and what sort of nutritional plan do you follow to stay in shape? EM: I believe in keeping a healthy, balanced diet. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables – I try to always have those around for a snack in case I get hungry – and I love grilled fish, especially salmon. Balance is the key. I won’t punish myself if I eat something that’s less healthy because, generally, my diet is pretty balanced.
SFME: What else do you enjoy doing to stay in shape? EM: I love being active and like trying new activities – especially if they’re outdoors. Mountain biking, skiing, mountain climbing – these are all great ways for me to exercise and get outside! SFME: What are your least favourite exercises to do in the gym? EM: I would rather be doing outside activities – I prefer to be in the fresh air outdoors, hiking, walking or running. When I go to the gym I need to be challenged. If I’m going to the gym I want to feel it afterward. At the same time, I’m naturally athletic, so I’ll stick to a lot of repetitions of light weights rather than a few repetitions of heavy weights. SFME: All the travel involved in your work and the long hours on set must make it hard to get a full workout – how do you get round this?
SFME: What do you enjoy eating when you’re being naughty? EM: I love food. I’m obsessed with chocolate and love to eat it. But I don’t believe in denying myself anything! SFME: What made you decide to join Reebok as an ambassador? EM: I’ve been a fan of Reebok since I was a kid! It’s great for me to be associated with a brand that has such a history in women’s fitness and that has been a part of my life for a while. SFME: What was the first pair of Reeboks you ever owned, when was it, and had you tried Easy Tone before they asked you to be an ambassador? EM: As I said, I’ve been a fan of Reebok since back in the days when I was in the seventh grade. I wore my pink Reebok high tops all the time. Fast forwarding to today, when I first heard
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about toning shoes I thought they were a great idea but then I saw some of them and they looked like orthopedic shoes. I’m just like every other woman, I’m looking for all the advantages I can find, but I’m not going to sacrifice style for function! When I saw the EasyTone shoes I was sold. They look great and they’re my secret weapon for staying in shape. SFME: Be honest, how much of a difference does wearing EasyTone apparel and footwear make to how easy it is to get your body toned? EM: I love wearing EasyTone when I’m hiking and walking, and really feel like they give me a secret advantage! But EasyTone doesn’t just work on its own. If you’re not eating healthy and not exercising, EasyTone isn’t going to be the magic pill that automatically gives you a great body. SFME: How much harder do you have to work wearing, for example, the shoes, when you walk or run and could that put people off buying them? EM: For me, it’s the opposite. Having the EasyTone shoes and apparel give me that little bit of motivation to get moving. I don’t always love going to the gym, for example, but knowing I have my EasyTones can sometimes help get me started and out of the door.
SFME: You have famously beautiful skin, how do you keep it looking so good? EM: I think healthy skin comes from the inside and the outside. So healthy eating and drinking a lot of water is important, but it’s also important to take good care of your skin. I like to treat myself to a facial when I can.
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SFME: Are the clothes and shoes still comfortable – what do you like best about them? EM: What I like the best about the EasyTone shoes is that they look fantastic. They’re really fashionable and they feel great. They’re also very comfortable and I feel good when I’m wearing them. If I’m wearing the shoes and I’m just walking around I’ll maybe put a little more effort or energy into a walk – I’ll power walk it almost. I really like the clothes, too. The doublelayer tops and the pants are my favourites. They’re very fashionable and they almost don’t look anything like workout clothes. SFME: What has been the proudest achievement of your career so far and what’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced or overcome? EM: I like challenges. That’s what keeps me going, whether it’s in my professional life, my fitness life or my personal life. One of the things that’s been the most gratifying to me in my career is the roles that go outside my comfort zone, that push me to levels as a performer that I haven’t reached before. I’m constantly working at improving. My worst nightmare would be to only be considered as a comedic actor, or as a dramatic actor. I’m constantly working to avoid being pigeonholed.
think the thing is, that regardless of how much you plan for something, sometimes life has a different plan in mind for you.
on those sets, but I’ve also had some deeper relationships that have grown out of some of the dramas I’ve done. Basically, I’ve been really lucky!
SFME: Which of your roles has been the most enjoyable to play? EM: That’s so hard to answer! It’s kind of like asking which meal has been your all time favourite, or, if you’re a parent, which child is your favourite. When I’m working on a project it’s like nothing else I’ve ever done before. I’m totally immersed in the project, and it becomes a labour of love. Then there’s the euphoria when you complete a film or a show, and you’re proud of what you’ve done.
SFME:What’s next for you? EM: My film “Last Night,” with Keira Knightley and Sam Worthington, opened recently in the United States. I also directed a short film last year called California Romanza with Christina Ricci, and I’d like to do some more directing in the future. I’ve completed filming “See If I Care” with Patricia Arquette and Matthew Modine and I have a lot of exciting projects in the works!
SFME: Who’s the best actor you’ve worked with? EM: It’s really cool being an actor because compared to more traditional jobs, it’s like you have a new job with a new set of colleagues every time you’re working on a different project. Add to that the fact that the atmosphere can be different on a comedy and on a drama, which sometimes changes how you interact with people. I’ve done some really fun films, and we have had a lot of fun
SFME: What would you like your lasting legacy to be? EM: I’d like to be remembered as someone who defied definition and challenged boundaries. I never want to be typecast, and I think that’s a good message for girls and women out there. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do this because you’re a girl, or you shouldn’t do that because you’re Latino. On the other hand, don’t just do something because it’s easy or it’s what’s expected of you. n
SFME: How much do you owe to your mother for where you are today? EM: My mother has been a huge influence on all aspects of my life. She taught me the importance of hard work from a very young age, and she didn’t just say “it’s important to work hard,” she lived it, working hard to support all of us. She always encouraged me to go after my dreams, to trust myself and to make the most of every moment. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. SFME: How did you get your big break in acting? EM: When you grow up in Los Angeles like I did, even if you’re not in Hollywood you know that Hollywood isn’t that far away. One of my neighbours was a photographer, and one day he took some pictures of me. The next thing I knew, I had a modelling job, and suddenly there were opportunities in front of me that seemed impossible before. I went to college, and did some acting and modelling on the side. Eventually I decided to pursue acting full-time. I
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Anne & Anichi’ s
Sizzling Salsa lights up Dubai
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ITH an aim to inspire and liberate people through Salsa dancing, Anne Boehm and Anichi Bauer returned to the Dubai International Dance Festival in June and wowed the audiences once again with their dazzling performances. After growing up in South America the pair relocated to Europe and have gone on to become two of the biggest names in Salsa Dancing across the world, wowing audiences and students alike with their passion and vibrancy. Sport&Fitness Middle East caught up with the couple shortly after their second performance in Dubai.
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Q: How memorable have your trips to Dubai been? A: They have both been two of the best trips of our lives. We can only recommend The Dubai International Dance Festival for everybody who loves dancing, who wants to have an awesome and fun time and at the same time wants to improve their dancing. When we came for the first time to the Salsa Festival last year we didn’t really know what to expect and we wer0e overwhelmed by the extremely warm welcome – the people were so friendly and the hospitality was great. The organisation of the Festival is amazing, we had so much fun at the parties and, of course, it was memorable because many things are just so different from Europe – the amazing architecture, the climate...it’s a great place.
Q: What did you make of this year’s Dubai International Dance Festival following your debut last year? A: It was awesome. We had a fantastic time presenting our newest shows, a mix between Afro-Cuban, Latin-jazz and Salsa and we were also on hand to teach some nice classes. Q: Looking at you as a dance partnership – you are both from different parts of South America – how did you meet and what age were you? A: At the age of 12 we both left our homes in South America (Anne is from Colombia and Anichi is from Ecuador) and relocated to Germany but we didn’t meet until we were 19 at a mutual friend’s birthday party. We hit it off because we both shared a love of dancing. Q: How did you become dancing partners? A: We started dancing together at Salsa parties, then we got asked by a choreographer to dance in his group but after two years of that we decided to go our own way and started to choreograph our own shows as a couple. Q: You narrowly finished second in the World Salsa Championships (WSC) in 2007 and 2009, what would it mean to you to win that event in the future? A: It is definitely a goal and a dream to win but artistically we have developed our style of dancing in another direction which doesn’t really fit into the competition style anymore. It’s a shame but that’s the way it goes I guess. We’re comfortable with what we’re doing. In 2007 we won the European Salsa Championships and we were also finalists in the WSC that year so that was a great year for us. Q: How far in advance do you start preparing your routine for big events like the World Salsa Championships? A: It’s easier to prepare a routine for the WSC because there are so many rules which you have to follow. But, in general, from the first idea to the first performance takes us 4-6 months of practice.
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Q: Who would you say are your biggest influences on your dancing careers? A: We did not have one big influence but many different influences during our career. We think the most important thing is to always keep open minded for new influences. As a dancer you should never stop learning and improving and always try to develop and make progress. Sometimes there are periods of frustration but the point is to overcome it and keep on going forward! Q: Who do you currently look up to in the world of Salsa dancing? A: We admire dancers like Yunaisy Farray, Mykel Fonts and Alexander Carbo. They are all so talented. Q: Dancing is a great way to keep fit and healthy, what would you say to people who might be a little scared to try dancing? A:‘DON’T BE SCARED - JUST DO IT’. Especially Salsa as it’s such an easy dance to have fun with. You don’t need to have a high level of dancing ability to enjoy Salsa. I know many people who have so much fun just by dancing the basic step and a right turn. So if you like the music go for it. It’s simple – Salsa is for everybody. Q: What do you feel is so special about dancing to Salsa music in particular? A: First of all the music is cheerful and full of good energy. Second it is also a very rich music. There are many ways of dancing to it so it never gets boring. Q: Obviously Salsa dancing is very vibrant and energetic, what aside from dancing, do you do to keep fit and stay in shape? A: We have a dance school in Germany called the AYA Latin Dance Academy. We teach three hours every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We rehearse four times a week for around 2-3 hours and include in our training also a fitness regime with general exercises – such as sit-ups, push-ups etc. And we try to eat healthy food whenever possible.
Raising the bar for the fourth time FOR the fourth consecutive year, the Dubai Dance Festival has proved to be a huge hit with young and old alike as the three-day festival packed in events and performances for people from all walks of life. The three days bring together dancers, artistes, instructors and promoters from around the world who gather in the unique city of Dubai to network, share their interests and showcase their talents at the same time. Live performances included shows by students as well as professionals from some of the top dance companies in the region. Workshops and classes took place for individuals of all ages and featured genres such as hip-hop, belly dancing, African dance, tap dancing and many more. The Dubai International Dance Festival is organised by people who love music and dance and always brings something new and exciting to the dance scene in Dubai, the Middle East and the whole region.
Performers at the 2011 Dubai Dance Festival: l Anne and Anichi brought their own brand of Salsa to Dubai for the second year running. l Taitienne Walter and Cristel Beijkrich performed a diverse selection of dances to various music incorporating hip-hop, samba, Salsa and other Latin rhythms. l James Castro and Alex de Smet have been dance partners since 2005 and performed sizzling Salsa. l Michelle Castro is coming direct from the USA and will showcase her clean lines, precise footwork and sexy styling as she dances to a fiery Latin beat. l THE BNF group, hailing from Colombia, were in Dubai showcasing members of their victorious team at the 2010 International Salsa Cup.
l Abby Lindenberg is a trained dancer in ballet, jazz and hiphop and has worked in New York as a professional dancer and choreographer and was one of the star attractions. l Aasim Rady has been a professional dancer for the past 17 years and performed the Zouk Lambada, a dance he fell in love with in 2008. l Familia de la Salsa is one of the oldest Salsa groups in Dubai and encourages youngsters to get involved in Salsa classes as a way of getting fit through dance. l Meher Malik hails from India and is the Director of the Banjara School of Dance – the largest belly dance school in her homeland. l Zouk Dubai are dancers Nayan and Sam who discovered the sensual Brazilian Zouk dance in Australia. They introduced Zouk to the UAE and started the first Zouk classes in the beginning of 2009 at Savage Garden, Capitol Hotel, Dubai. l Dareen is a charismatic dancer, superb choreographer and successful instructor. She comes from Belarus from a Greek family and belly dancing has been part of her life since she was two years old. l The Moe Brothers, Moe and Moe Jnr are hailed as two of the most dynamic dancers in the Dubai and Middle East Salsa scene. l Mambo Clasico is Dubai’s premier mambo/salsa dance company. Established in August 2008 it has brought together some of the most promising and dedicated dancers from the Dubai dance scene and formed a group that could represent Dubai at a local, regional and international level. l Milla Tenorio is one of the most famous belly dancers in the Middle East. Before casting her dancing spell on the Arab world, Milla worked in Brazil for eight years where she managed her own Belly Dance school, teaching thousands of students.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MANNY PACQUIAO? Richard Bevan charts the epic rise of a boxing great and why he’s worth more than $50 million a fight
H
E was introduced as Congressman Manny Pacquiao and he addressed the press in the gracious, diplomatic and accommodating manner of a skilled statesman. Right now he might need to devote his efforts full time to the political arena if he is to find a real fight worth getting his teeth into. The ease with which eight-weight World Champion Pacquiao breezed through 12 rounds against the disappointing Shane ‘Sugar Ray’ Moseley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 7th left many fans asking the obvious question – who, realistically, is there left for him to fight? The answer to that question, of course, is so obvious it barely needs repeating. The Floyd Mayweather saga is becoming the elephant in the room. Pacquiao’s last three fights since the Mayweather negotiations first broke down in January last year have seen him make light work of Mosley, Antonio Margarita and Joshua Clottey – all either World Champions or No.1 contenders. Go back before that and it’s a similar story with fighters of the calibre of Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and even the legendary Oscar De La Hoya unable to live with Pacquiao’s superior handspeed, lightening quick movement and ferocious punching power. The past four years have seen the Pacman maraud through the weight divisions looking for a worthy challenger – lightweight (David Diaz) welterweight (De La Hoya), light welterweight (Hatton), Welterweight (Cotto), Light Middleweight (Margarito), Welterweight (Moseley). He’s swept them all aside, taking his World title count to a record 10 in the process, with nobody remotely close to matching him. Mayweather is the only fight out there for Pacquiao but the longer the ‘will-they-won’t-they?’ question
continues, the less likely it is to happen. The issue has become bogged down in a mire of allegations and counter-allegations, with each side blaming the other for the failure to make the fight. Accusations of performance enhancing drug use and demands for draining Olympic style random blood testing from the Mayweather camp, a lawsuit for defamation from the Pacquaio camp and a failure to reach any compromise from both sides has led to an acrimonious stand off. Both parties claim to have submitted signed contracts agreeing to the other’s terms in a bid to get the fight on but whatever the real story is, it seems the gap between them is widening with each passing month despite a reported $50 million on offer to each fighter. “For me I don’t care about that fight,” said Pacquiao. “I’m satisfied with everything I have done in boxing.
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‘I’m happy because I know I won the fight but my first concern is
the satisfaction of the people. I want them to be happy. I don’t care if I hurt my face as long as the people see a good fight. I don’t care if I’m bruised, as long as they’re happy with my performance.’
I want to fight because the people want the fight.” Bob Arum, head of Pacquiao’s promotions company, Top Rank, is in no doubt as to whom would win the fight should it ever take place. “He (Manny) would beat Floyd, I guarantee it,” he said. “You are watching a phenomenon. You are watching the greatest fighter I have ever seen. Nobody can compete with him. He will take every single fighter out of their game plan. “The guy who knows that best is a real student of boxing named Floyd Mayweather Jr. He knows us and how we do things. If he had any desire to fight Manny he would call us. Mayweather has said that if he comes back he wants a tune up fight first. If he took that it wouldn’t be until next year that he was available.” Pacquaio emerged from the Mosley fight without a blemish on his face after 12 rounds in which the American seemed more interested in protecting his record of never having been knocked out than in stealing his opponent’s WBO Welterweight belt. Understandably, the judges scored the lopsided bout 119108, 120-108 and 120-107. “My opponent gave me a lot of respect and he didn’t want to fight toe-to-toe with me,” said Pacquiao, clearly disappointed that the fight hadn’t delivered the spectacle his fans wanted to
see. “He was running just to try to finish the 12 rounds. I did my best. I wanted to fight toe-to-toe. I was surprised, I thought that he had studied and trained and focussed to fight toe-to-toe with me but he just ran and ran. But, you know, that’s part of the game. You can’t push a fighter to fight in a way he can’t. “I’m happy because I know I won the fight but my first concern is the satisfaction of the people. I want them to be happy. I don’t care if I hurt my face as long as the people see a good fight. I don’t care if I’m bruised, as long as they’re happy with my performance.” Pacquaio did manage to take the fight on the inside during the third round when he knocked Moseley to the canvas with a rocket-fuelled one-two jab combination followed by a vicious straight left. But he revealed that a problem with his left leg and foot prevented him from finishing the job at that point. “In the third round he felt my power,” said Pacquiao. “I believed that I was stronger than him and thought that I could finish him but in the next round I had a problem with my foot. I went back to my corner and told my strength coach to press my leg because it was too tight. I wasn’t able to move as much as I was in the later rounds.” Mosley never got near his opponent with his only uplifting
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‘My dreams before were only to help and sacrifice for my mother and family, helping us survive. I’m sure some in the Philippines are jealous of my success, and I don’t blame them. But I just try and stay humble. I don’t try to compare what I’ve achieved in boxing. I’m just happy to contribute to the history of boxing.’
moment coming in the 10th when the referee wrongly adjudged him to have downed Pacquiao but replays later showed that it was, in fact, a push. Pacquaio’s trainer, Freddie Roach, later revealed that the ref had come over to apologise to him for the gaffe after the fight. He also called on Moseley to hang up the gloves for good, saying: “I don’t think he tried to win the fight, he just tried to survive. When you get to that point in boxing, it’s time to call it a day.” Pacquaio has come a long way from Kibawe in the Philippines, where he was born in December, 1978. He left home at the age of 14 as his mother, who had separated from his father and had six children, wasn’t earning enough money to support the whole family. Spurred on by the death of a close friend, who was an upand-coming boxer, he became a professional fighter at the age of 16. He weighed in at just 98 pounds for his debut Light Flyweight bout and putting weights in his pockets in order to make the minimum weight of 105 pounds. He won the fight and hasn’t looked back since, winning the WBC World Flyweight title against Chatchai Sasakul in December 1998 and going on to pick up belts at Super Bantamweight, Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Light
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Welterweight, Welterweight and Light Middleweight – the first fighter in history to win World titles at eight different weight divisions. He was named ‘Fighter of the Decade’ for the 2000s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and is a threetime The Ring magazine and BWAA ‘Fighter of the Year’ (2006, 2008 and 2009). As well as his political career – he is an elected member of the House of Representatives in his homeland, where he is revered by everyone – also dabbles in acting and singing. “I never thought I could achieve what I have,” said Pacquiao, who left immediately after the Mosley post-fight press conference to perform a gig at the Mandalay Bay. “My dreams before were only to help my mother and family to survive. I’m sure some in the Philippines are jealous of my success, and I don’t blame them. But I just try and stay humble. I don’t try to compare what I’ve achieved in boxing. I’m just happy to contribute to the history of boxing.” Whether the Mayweather fight that we’re all desperate to see will ever take place is open to debate. If it does, it would be the ultimate encore for this extraordinary fighter to bow out but if it doesn’t, there’s no question that Manny Pacquaio has left an indelible mark on the history of boxing. n
IT’S
ZUMBA Fitness
TIME
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Zumba Fitness CEO Alberto Perlman
T
HE dance fitness phenomenon that has taken the world by storm over the past four years and is already making its mark in the Middle East as the ZUMBA® Fitness programme debuts in Fitness First gyms across the region. The ZUMBA® programme turns an aerobic workout into a dance-fitness-party with a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms including salsa, merengue, flamenco, belly dancing and samba. The exhilarating workout, which is now enjoyed by more than 12 million people in more than 125 countries, achieves the perfect balance of a progressive core workout, full-body cardio and a stressrelieving, energy-producing fitness experience. But the best thing about Zumba® fitness, is that you get fit and in shape without realising it – because you’re far too busy having fun. “Zumba® Fitness attracts a whole new slew of members who join the gym to have an enjoyable workout,” says ZumbaFitness CEO Alberto Perlman. “It’s all about the gym experience. We want to shift the mindset many have that going to the gym is work, and instead make it an experience that everyone loves and looks forward to. We want it to be your home-from-home – a place where you make new friends, learn new things and, most importantly, learn to live a healthier and fitter lifestyle.’ Music is at the heart of the Zumba® fitness
experience and the secret to its success. The score is created with specific beats and tempo changes to move the workout seamlessly from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another, targeting every major muscle group in the body as you shake your thing through a series of simple dance moves. The focus is on letting the rhythms move you rather than counting reps over the music. The result is a highly enjoyable workout that sculpts and tones the body while also burning a tremendous amount of fat. “Music is the heart and soul of Zumba Fitness,” says Perlman. “We have more than 180 original songs that we’ve produced for our instructors and fans. It’s what makes the programme so special. When you take a Zumba class you feel the music and come alive. It’s the ultimate Zumba experience.” The programme was developed by celebrity fitness trainer Beto Perez in his Colombian homeland during the 1990s after he forgot his traditional aerobics music one day and had to use the tapes he had in his backpack, which were an mix of his beloved Latin salsa and Merengue. He improvised an entire class on the spot and it proved an instant hit. As soon as word got out about the exhilarating new class it became the most popular programme at the gym. The Zumba® fitness party was born. By 1999 the Latin aerobics class had become so popular in Colombia that Beto decided to take it to the USA
“We have over 180 original songs that we’ve produced for our instructors and fans. It’s what makes the program so special, When you take a Zumba class, you feel the music and come alive.”
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where it caught on in an equally rapid fashion, leading to the creation of global company based on the Zumba® Fitness philosophy. The programme was launched internationally in 2007 and has gone on to revolutionise the fitness industry. There are now tens of thousands of full time official Zumba® instructors working at 110,000 locations worldwide, each fully trained under the company’s watchful eye to ensure the philosophy and standards set by Beto are maintained. The global movement has spawned DVDs, CDs, apparel, accessories and even video games with Zumba® fever showing no signs of slowing down. Gyms around the world have greatly increased membership and visitor numbers as a direct result of the programme which is now taught in a number of varieties, including one aimed at advanced students, another aimed at kids, one for older people and one that takes place in water. Zumba® fitness has also attracted countless celebrity students and has been used as a vehicle to raise money for charities around the
world in sponsored ‘dance offs.’ “Any programme that gets people to the gym and moving is good for the industry and humanity,” says Perlman. “What’s unique about the Zumba® programme is that it’s authentic – it stemmed from Beto’s passion and love for teaching and dancing and has since been perfected over the years. It’s a joy that is hard to describe. “ “We all have a basic human need to express ourselves and Zumba® Fitness provides a judgment-free platform to do so. This need is universal and as long as that basic human need exists, Zumba® Fitness will continue to be a safe-haven for people who want to have a blast and express themselves through movement. That’s why we have such a strong global community of supporters.” Fitness First members now have the chance to experience Zumba® Fitness first hand as the programme launches across the Middle East.
ZUMBA dance styles The ZUMBA® programme borrows Latin flavour and international zest from the following dance styles: Merengue; Mambo; Flamenco; Chachacha; Reggaeton; Samba; Belly Dancing; Bhangra; Hip –- Hop; Axe; Tango. The Zumba® programme is recognised by the world’s leading fitness educators, including the Aerobic Fitness Association of America, IDEA Health and Fitness Association, and the American Council on Exercise. ZUMBA® Classes Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba Fitness-Party. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students. ZUMBATOMIC® FOR KIDS In September 2009, ZUMBA® Fitness launched Zumbatomic®, the first ZUMBA® programme for children and trained 1,000 instructors to teach classes around the country. ZUMBA® Fitness also released the Zumbatomic® DVD Collection, featuring three DVDs with individual 30-minute workouts, a CD soundtrack and a comic book. ZUMBA GOLD® Zumba Gold® is a version of the Latin-inspired workout designed for the active older adult as well as the de-conditioned exercise. This fun workout incorporates the contagious Latin and international rhythms already popular with the 12 million people taking ZUMBA® classes each week, but is performed at a lower intensity that is safe and effective for all ages. AQUA ZUMBA® This therapeutic workout combines Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Reggaeton and other rhythms but adapts them to use the water’s resistance for a safe and extremely effective aquatic workout. Aqua Zumba™ workouts provide tremendous benefits for the body and are also fun and invigorating. ZUMBA® TONING Zumba Toning is an advanced option for enthusiasts looking to expand their cardiovascular workout to include muscle endurance. Using low weight toning sticks, which double as maracas to complement Zumba’s contagious Latin and international rhythms, the new programme incorporates repetitions to target specific muscle groups while burning fat.
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ASK HISEM
Hisem Hagras is Fitness First’s Corporate Wellness Manager
Are you ready for your new ‘Summer Body’? Q: How do you lose weight fast without taking pills? HH: The safe way is to lose no more than two pounds per week. Your main goal here will be losing FAT. Start by doing cardio exercises at least three days a week – treadmill, bike, jump rope etc. You need to eat at least 4-5 SMALL meals a day and by doing this it will raise your metabolic rate and allow you to burn fat throughout the day and not just during your workouts. Now, if you want toned figure as well, you have to incorporate some weight training. Either do weight training before you do cardio or do it on non-cardio days. Weight lift at least three days a week. Also drink at least 12 eight ounce glasses of water a day and get at least seven hours’ sleep.
Q: If I lose weight will my fat cells go away? HH: Unfortunately, we cannot reduce fat cell numbers through diet or exercise but we can certainly change the size of them. We all have billions of fat cells which swell as they store excess fat. Each fat cell can stretch up to 1,000 times its original size, but we cannot eliminate them. What happens when we lose weight is the fat cell shrinks in size as fat is taken from it and burned off through exercise.
Q: What about oats? I make porridge in the morning with skimmed milk and add strawberries and honey on top. It’s my favourite part of the day and my biggest meal. I’ve lost a bit of weight but I seem to be at a standstill – do you think it’s because of the oats? HH: Oatmeal is a good healthy food – a small portion can be a great contribution towards a healthy, balanced diet. You may find that it’s the overall calorie consumption which has led to your weight loss slowing down. Any excess calories, even “healthy calories” can stop or limit losing any weight. You always need to burn slightly more calories than your body needs in order to lose weight. When we reach a plateau in weight loss it is usually because our body has adapted to the diet and/or exercise regime. In order to continue losing further weight you must adjust the diet and workout to maintain a negative calorie balance.
Q: I’ve read that a daily dose of fish oil is good for my kids. Is it beneficial for adults too? HH: Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids. Not just any old omega 3 – but long chain omega 3s. We should eat three times more oily fish than we currently do as a nation. There are health benefits in terms of lowering heart disease risks and it’s good for things like immune function and skin. It’s also important for women going through pregnancy.
Q: I started a new diet at the beginning of the year. What suggestions do you have for helping me stick to this year’s diet? HH: Try the following suggestions. Incorporate as many of them as you can at one time. Don’t try to do all of them at once to begin with. Choose a weight loss diet that includes all groups in the Food Guide Pyramid: milk; meat; bread; fruit; vegetables; fats; oils; sweets. Remember that you need to maintain healthy nutrition in order to feed the muscles which, in turn will help burn body fat. Set a realistic goal of around one to two pounds a week, although you may well lose more than this during the first few weeks. Work on short-term goals of one month at a time and be prepared to accept that your ideal weight may take time. To focus on the total amount you want to lose may seem overwhelming. It would be unrealistic to expect to lose it quickly and you would be setting yourself up to fail. Weight loss that is slow is more likely to be kept off. At home, remove all high calorie, high fat, high sugar foods from your kitchen cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. These include snack foods, cakes, pies and ice cream. Above all, be patient. Prepare for the FINAL long haul now rather than having to keep going back to the start line every year!
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Consume 500 calories less and in 7 days you should THEORETICALLY lose 1lb of body fat while preserving your precious muscle tissue. This is the concept of expending more calories than you consume.
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2 New food tricks to reduce cravings and control calories
1
About 20 minutes before every meal, eat one handful of nuts such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc – preferably raw nuts (as this reduces the oxidation of polyunsaturated fats), but any nuts will work. This is a trick I’ve used myself and I’ve used it with many of my clients in the past. It ALWAYS helps people to control their appetite and get lean FAST! The reason it works is because the healthy fats, fibre, protein, and density of micronutrients (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals) in nuts help to satisfy a lot of the nutrition needs of your body, thereby greatly reducing your appetite before eating full meals. We add the handful of nuts about 20 minutes before each meal because this allows enough time for your body to signal to the brain that it received this nutrition and thereby reduce your appetite. Also, this practise basically substitutes a healthy super nutrient-dense source of calories into your diet multiple times per day, and increases the percentage of your calorie intake from nuts, as opposed to other types of foods aids in your body in decreasing body fat.
2
The 2nd “food trick” comes from my good friend and nutrition author Jon Benson of http://favoritefoodsdiet.com/ This is a trick I didn’t know about until recently, and it involves food scent. Smelling food can trick your brain into thinking you’ve eaten. A recent study found that those who inhaled peppermint in scent form every 2 hours ate (get this) 2,700 calories LESS per week than they normally did. Let me put that into perspective: That’s a fat loss of more than half a pound a week – just from sniffing peppermint! Vanilla also works. You can keep vanilla-scented drops or even candles around the office and take a whiff every few hours.
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Gary Neville’s Circuit Workout HE may have recently retired but in a 20-year career at Manchester United FC right back Gary Neville was one of the hardest working players in the game, running tirelessly up and down the right flank helping out the likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack one minute, and getting back in defence the next. One of the ways he kept his fitness to the highest level was through circuit training, with the following routine – which he also used to get into shape for his testimonial that took place at Old Trafford on May 24th, which saw his old friends from the famous ‘Class of 92’ united again, including brother Phil, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt for the match against Italian Superclub, Juventus.
Two minutes at level 14 on the bike at 110RPM One minute boxing on punch bag 20 sit-ups 20 press-ups 20 lunges 30 secs arm drives Repeat six times.
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Balance
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Balance “Wellbeing 360˚” is a Wellness Club focussed on restoring your internal rhythm with lifestyle guidance and therapies. The underlying philosophy is drawn from ancient wisdom and modern science – making wellness integral to contemporary living. It encompasses all aspects of life to bring one’s physical, mental and emotional being into perfect alignment and vibrant health.
The goal is to make wellness a part of your everyday life beginning today At Balance, we believe that there can be no conveyor-belt style, one-solution-fits-all way to effective, long-lasting, meaningful health and wellbeing. Which is why Balance brings together the wisdom and experience of leading consultants, specialists and experts, be it in Ayurveda, Nutrition, Yoga, Fitness, Pilates or Spa treatments and therapies. Because we realise that everyone is so different – with their own unique bodies, genetics, personalities, conditions and preferences – our programmes are designed specifically around individual needs. Balance Café is a part of this integrated concept and takes off on the same philosophy of offering delicious dishes using fresh ingredients, which are cooked healthily and in ‘balance’ with what the body requires, inside and out. The Café has been pieced together to offer a holistic approach to eating through blending taste, health and affordability. It brings together the benefits of traditional styles of cooking techniques reinterpreted in a contemporary manner, unifying ancient Ayurvedic concepts, Yogic know-how and macrobiotic foods with modern day wellness – oriented nutrition. It also fills the gap between strict diet foods and gourmet offerings. Located on the third level of Oasis Centre, the café offers a menu that combines gourmet pleasure with the benefits of eating right.
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Orthosports –
The Sports Medicine Specialists DUBAI’S Orthosports Medical Centre is one of the region’s leading sports injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation facilities. The centre has built a reputation for delivering the highest standards of international orthopaedic and sports medicine in a caring, friendly environment. Here Dr Moosa Kazim, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon from Orthosports, tells SFME the most common injuries experienced by people in the region and how best to treat them. TENNIS ELBOW: ‘Latereal Epicondylitis’ is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. It is often associated with sports such as tennis and golf but can also be caused by gripping and lifting tasks in everyday living. Onset often correlates with a sudden change in activity, such as starting a new sport or changing a racquet or golf club. The repetitive contractions of the wrist extensor muscles cause a tugging strain on the outside of the elbow joint, where the tendon fibres attach to the bone. This can cause inflammation or a partial tear of the tendon. Physiotherapy treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation using ice and electrotherapy techniques, acupuncture for pain relief, taping techniques to off-load the injured tendon, prescription of a tennis elbow support, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises and education on how to avoid aggravating the symptoms.
ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES: The ‘rotator cuff’ is a group of four muscles whose function is to control and dynamically stabilise the movement of the shoulder joint through rotation. Sports such as tennis, squash, swimming, volleyball, kite surfing, as well as weight training in the gym, require a lot of rotation which places considerable demand on rotator cuff muscles. Overloading these muscles can cause gradual inflammation of their tendons or even a sudden tear of the tendon. Symptoms include pain, weakness and loss of movement of the shoulder. Once injured, repetitive overhead movements of the arm commonly aggravate the pain. Physiotherapy treatment consists of rest, ice, postural reeducation, and range of movement and strengthening exercises followed by advice on returning to sports.
ANKLE SPRAIN:
This is particularly common amongst tennis, squash, football and basketball players and is caused when the foot is rolled or turned beyond its normal range. This strain causes varying degrees of laxity and tearing of the ligaments. The role of ligaments in an ankle joint is to provide stability through the range of movement. A sprained ankle feels very painful and unsteady. Physiotherapy rehabilitation involves strength, balance and overall stability training. Treatment focuses on reducing local inflammation and pain through modalities such as ice, rest, elevation, compression, bracing, massage and electrotherapeutic techniques to increase circulation to the injured tissues. CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA: This is the softening and breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) that lines the underside of the kneecap (patella). It is a common cause of pain at the front of the knee and is prevalent in sporty, young adults in the UAE, particularly amongst females. It can be related to the patella being misaligned, as it glides up and down in the groove of the femur (thigh bone.) The muscles and tendons of your quadriceps control this gliding. If they are short or weak then repetitive activities such as running, cycling, rowing, squatting, horse riding and kicking, can cause mal-tracking. This creates friction between the back of the patella and the groove through which it passes during knee motion. Physiotherapy rehabilitation focuses on realignment of structures through prescribed exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscle groups involved. Pain can be relieved through realigning taping techniques, mobilisations of the patello-femoral joint, dry needling, acupuncture or electrotherapy. Orthosports Medical Centre Jumeira Beach Road Dubai - UAE Tel: +971 - 04 - 3450601 www.orthosp.com
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IF you’re a member at Fitness First and an avid reader of SFME, the chances are you have an interest in either getting in shape or staying that way. Regular exercise not only improves the way you look but also the way you feel and there’s an addictive quality to setting yourself physical goals and achieving them. However, there are some particularly driven (disturbed) individuals who have taken the concept of self improvement to mind-boggling extremes and who form an elite group of ‘The World’s Fittest Men’.
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Former paratrooper and amateur boxer Paddy Doyle from Birmingham in the UK holds 200 fitness and endurance records, the most recent coming this February when he completed a 26 mile speed march through streams, mud and hills in 7 hours 51 minutes while carrying a 60-pound backpack. Paddy broke his first world record in 1987 when he did 4,100 push-ups in 4 hours, 30 minutes with a 50-pound steel plate on his back! He created the Guinness Physical Fitness Challenge record in 2005 for completing the following lung busting feat in just 18 hours, 56 minutes: 12 mile run, 12 mile walk (25 lb back pack), 1,250 push ups, 1,250 star jumps, 3,250 sit ups, 1,250 hip flexors (10 lb weight), 110 mile cycle, 20 mile rowing, 20 mile cross trainer, weights 300,000 lb (various lifts), 2 mile swim. “The challenge is to push myself to the extreme and beat the best in the world in the field of strength speed stamina sports,” says Paddy who is also the current Guinness World Records Fitness Endurance Champion. “It’s not about making money, only being the world’s No.1 in holding various fitness endurance records under several different sporting disciplines.” The Englishman’s latest challenge has seen him break the world record for the most fitness strength world records broken in a calendar year! He started out on July 31st 2010 with a 30-mile speed march carrying a 76 lb backpack in a record 10 hours, 37 seconds aiming to beat fellow Brit Paul Woodlands’ record of 29 world records in one year. He broke the record on April 18th when he completed the most push-ups ever achieved in 1 minute (40) carrying a 50lb backpack and with two months still to go he’s already broken 32 records. He’s currently on 40 records and it looks like it’s going to take a fanatic of epic proportions to surpass this man!
www.worldendurancechampion.co.uk
The Marathon des Sables, which began in 1986, is widely regarded as the toughest footrace in the world. The six-day event is a 254 km ‘ultra-marathon’ which is the equivalent of six regular marathons back-to-back and takes place in the searing heat and draining terrain of the Southern Moroccan desert. Water and tents are provided along the way but competitors must carry their own backpacks containing food, sleeping gear and anything else they’ll need along the way. The event, which is so tough two people have actually died trying to complete it, draws hundreds of ultra-fit competitors from all over the world, making it even more of an achievement to actually win it. Rachid El Morabity won the 2011 event in a time of 20 hours, 56 minutes and 19 seconds but prior to this year the Ahansal brothers from Morocco have been the overwhelming dominant force in the MDS. Lahcen Ahansal has won it no fewer than 10 times while his brother Mohammed has won it four times and holds the World Record time of 16 hours and 22 minutes, 29 seconds.
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Before Paddy Doyle came along the Yanks created their own way of determining who was the fittest of them all when Rob Powel created the World Fitness Championship. This consists of: 2 mile swim,12 mile run, 12 mile hike, 1,250 push ups, 1,250 leg lifts, 1,250 jumping jacks, 110 mile cycle, 20 mile row, 20 mile elliptical, 3,250 crunches, weights 300 lb (various lifts). Powell created the challenge in 2001 and went on to hold the world record for four consecutive years with his best time of 17 hours, 45 minutes, 3 seconds, set in 2004, standing to this day. The World Fitness Championship (WFC) became a competitive sport in 2003 so if you fancy having a crack at Rob’s record you can sign up via his website. Powell insists that his motives for creating the WFC were not for personal gain but rather: “Helping the fattest nation in history, America, to shape up with a better and more simple plan for working out and fitness.” He plans to release an app for iPhone, android, Blackberry and Microsoft so we can carry the World Fitness Championship workout in our pockets wherever we go. We don’t know whether to say thanks or to cry!
www.worldfitnesschampion.net
Competition among these ultra fit athletes is, as you would imagine, fierce and, intriguingly, Joe Decker has an ongoing dispute with his fellow American, Rob Powell, as to who can rightfully claim to be ‘The World’s Fittest Man.’ Decker was a chubby barman from Illinois with a drug problem prior to getting knocked into shape upon joining the US Army after which he became addicted to working out and set about transforming himself into the Fitness Machine he it today. In 2000 Decker broke the Guinness World Record for the 24-Hour Fitness Challenge by completing 13 gruelling events that included a 100 mile bike ride, 10 mile run, 10 mile hike, 5 mile power walk, 6 miles of kayaking, 2 mile swim, 10 mile row, 3,000 abdominal crunches, 1,100 pushups, 1,100 jumping jacks, 1,000 leg lifts and 278,540 lbs of weightlifting. He’s since completed some of the toughest footraces on the planet such as the Marathon des Sables (see left), the Grand Slam of Ultra Running, the Tough Guy Challenge and he recently won the Death Race. “I do these things because I love the challenge of seeing how far you can push the human body,” says Decker. “It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly powerful this thing, our body, really is. Plus I just plain love this stuff!” Following his World Record, Decker quickly became a media phenomenon and was dubbed ‘The World’s Fittest Man’. Sensing an opportunity he shrewdly made the decision to trademark the name, much to the chagrin of Powell, hence his decision to create his own niche as the ‘World’s Fitness Champion’ after Guinness ‘rested’ the 24hour Challenge. Now, now boys, you’re both ridiculously fit. Let’s just leave it at that, eh?
www.joe-decker.com
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
Todd Staszko talks exclusively to the trailblazing youngster about the many ups and downs in his career as a champion kite-buggier.
For a man so young, 21-year-old Craig Sparkes has pretty much conquered the world of Kite Buggying. From finishing third in his first ever Freestyle competition in 2003 to becoming UK and European Champion last year – and this despite a serious injury to his back in late 2008 sustained in a car crash.
CRAIG Sparkes was looking forward to a quiet Christmas in December 2008 ahead of a busy 2009 before his kite buggying career was thrown into jeopardy when a motorist crashed into the back of him, causing whiplash and an aggravated disc in his lower back “It was just three days before Christmas,” explains Sparkes at his home in Norwich. “I was hit from behind and was out action for about six months. I was back on the buggy again around June/July time but didn’t get back to where I was, in terms of ‘match fitness’ or where I wanted to be, until around January 2010.” So with six months on the sidelines he saved some money and made up for lost time by heading out to Las Vegas with the Flexifoil team – one of his sponsors and makers of buggies – for the biggest buggy event in the world, the North American Buggy Expo (NABX) in March 2010. It’s a gathering which he savours as the best event on the calendar and it inspired him to go on and win the UK and European titles later that year. “They were both huge honours for me, especially after coming back from the car accident injury,” he says. “The UK Freestyle Champion and the European KLB Masters are two of the biggest accolades I can win so I was stoked about that. Add to that my first experience of the NABX in Vegas and I can safely say that 2010 was easily my best year to date.” The NABX is clearly one of the highlights in Craig’s kite buggying schedule as mere mention of it sees his tone of voice change and his speech quicken.
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“I’ve been to NABX two years running now and I’ve had a blast both times,” says Craig Sparkes. “It lasts for just over a week and is set in two huge dry lakes out in Nevada. There’s an unofficial ‘pre-event’ which is set about 200 miles from Las Vegas and is perfect for buggying but you also get loads of petrol heads riding around on motocross bikes, buggies and quads which is fun, too. “The ‘main’ event takes place just 40 minutes from Vegas and is set in a 35 square mile dry lake. We buggied with some of the US community and there’s just so much stuff going on, there’s something for everyone. “From the moment you get there everything is taken care of, people look after you, there’s no issue with people’s ability – everyone is really cool and approachable.
Accelerate
“This year me and the Flexifoil team brought along two hi-tech GPS systems and using them to measure from one point to another we were able to record some speeds across the desert. From a standing start we worked out that we managed to accelerate from 0-50mph in 5.3 seconds. It was unbelievably cool. The chase cars couldn’t keep up with us as they tried to film some footage and take some photographs. They burnt a lot of fuel that day trying to stay with us as we started
to reach top speeds of 63mph after immense acceleration.” Add in the nightlife that only Las Vegas can boast and it sounds like an extreme sports fan’s perfect event. “The NABX really is the highlight of the year but it’s probably the most expensive because shipping gear over there isn’t cheap, but it’s one of those events that you’ve just got to go back to,” he says. “There are clinics and demonstrations and each year the organisers are really happy to welcome us because we try to promote the sport over there. Outside the UK and parts of Europe there isn’t that much ‘official’ kitebuggying going on so it’s good to help out and have fun while doing it. “I know some people out in Dubai who go buggying every day and the locations out there look amazing. They have invited us over many times and one day we’ll have to take them up on their offer. We need to do it soon otherwise our jealousy levels will go through the roof!” So what brought about this fixation with all things wind related and why has it grown into a healthy addition? “I have my uncle to thank for all this,” he laughs. “He bought me a kite for my birthday around 12 years ago and when I felt the pull from the wind I knew it was something I wanted to get into and Power Kiting was the
next step.” “A few years later I got into it properly at high school where we had an after-school kite club. We would practise Power Kiting and gradually we’d all start using bigger sized kites. In 2003 I became interested in buggying and after buying a Flexifoil buggy I practised as much as possible. I entered my first competition a year later, finished third and from there on I’ve just progressed and progressed. It’s addictive and competing at events means you want to get better and better.” With a natural ability to harness the wind’s power, Sparkes quickly improved and with it came a greater appetite for success. But what aspect of buggying do the judges look for when they’re marking your performance?
Freestyle
“When it comes to Freestyle competition it’s all about how much you do in your allotted time, so you’re trying to cram as many tricks as possible in there,” he says. “Judges look at the smoothness of the ride and then the fluidity and height. Creating a soft landing and take-off is essential if you’re going to have a chance of winning as this impressed the judges the most. “Fluidity is also important because if you lose momentum and take a few minutes
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between tricks then the judges will mark you down. This is known as maintaining a good flow during your time trial and is just as important as getting plenty of air in your jumps.” One trick jump Sparkes has all-but mastered is the 360° forkspin which he came up with a few years ago. “Kite buggying is definitely a sport where you can try and do new things,” he enthuses. “I came up with an aerial 360° forkspin which to complete you must jump, spin the pedal forks 360° and then get your feet back in the straps in time for landing. It’s tough to nail the trick and still maintain a smooth landing!” A quiet landing is what’s needed every time Sparkes goes out for a session since his back injury but so far this year he’s been unhappy with how the weather has been in his native Norfolk.
Laments wryly
“So far this year the weather hasn’t been that great for me,” he laments wryly. “Compared to 2010 when it was pretty much perfect for kiting in January, February and March this year it’s been not as good so I haven’t practised as much as I would have liked. “But in some respects I’m quite lucky because I work freelance from home so I can practise almost at the drop of a hat. I can certainly plan to work around the conditions if it suits!” The weather may be something Craig can’t depend on, but one thing that is certain is that he will be heading for Germany to try and seal successive European Masters titles, shortly after entertaining some
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students at a festival in Wales. “My next planned outing is in June when I’ve got the Beach Break Live event on Pembrey Beach in Wales,” he says. “It’s a four-day student festival and there are some kite-boarding and kite-buggying clinics. Then I’m off to Germany for the defence of my European Masters title. I can’t wait.” With a busy summer on the horizon what does Craig say to people who show up at his clinics wanting to take up kite-buggying? “Well it’s a lot easier – and cheaper – if you go about it in stages like I did,” he smiles. “Start by getting a power kit and learn the basics by getting pulled and dragged around a beach, it’s great fun. Then when you’ve got the skills you can get a buggy – it makes it far easier than getting a buggy straight away and trying to learn the hard way. “You don’t need to be in immaculate shape, although beginners might get out of breath quicker. You certainly don’t need muscles galore to start buggying. You will start to build muscles the more and more you go out, your upper body strength will improve and so will your core muscles. ‘It’s not so much your body that takes the pull of the kite – it’s the harness that you’re strapped to, so you just need to channel that energy with your arms in order to get airborne. It promotes flexibility and suppleness rather than strength. “I never thought I’d reach this level. At first it was just a fun hobby but then when I started competing, the thirst grew and I started to make some goals. Now I can look back and say ‘I was UK and European Champion’. It’s been an amazing ride.” n
Long jumper Darya Klishina has been turning heads since her days as a junior when she set a new Russian record of 7.03 metres, which still stands. She’s continued her winning ways into her senior career and won gold at this year’s European Indoor Championships in Paris.
SFME: What are the essential skills required to be a great long jumper – other than having super long legs? DK:“I would say athletes must have a strong character, self-reliance, a huge desire to reach high levels and a good capacity for work. The ability to communicate with a coach and being quick on the uptake also really helps.” SFME: What’s the furthest distance you’ve jumped in your career? DK: “My longest jump so far was 7.03m in June 2010 at the Znamensky Brothers event in Zhukovsky, Russia.” SFME: Tell us about your family and how your parents inspired you to be an athlete? DK: “My parents did track and field athletics for a while. My mother did it for fitness mostly. My father did high jump and now he plays amateur volleyball. When I was a child, I visited various classes like choreography. At the age of eight, I started playing volleyball and did so for four years. Once I ran a city relay for my school team at one of the Russia’s biggest public holidays and was noticed by an athletics coach who suggested I try it. My parents have never restricted me and let me choose freely. The only thing they said was that volleyball is team sport, while athletics is individual. I did both volleyball and athletics for a while. However soon I realised it wouldn’t be possible, so I made my choice in favour of track and field athletics.” SFME: What fitness regime do you follow and how often do you train? DK: “I have breakfast and head off to a training session. Training starts with a warmup (running, stretching, special running exercises) then the work itself starts. That depends on the day of week and my fitness condition. Training usually ends with ‘cooldown’ which is easy running and stretching. When I’m at the pre-season training camp with the team we usually have two training sessions a days. When it’s close to the season, we have just a single training session each day and one break per week.” Page 79
SFME: What other things do you like doing for fun? Are you a stereotypical girl with lots of shoes and clothes? DK: “I’m definitely not different from other typical young girls and I do have lots of shoes and clothes! And I love spending my spare time with friends in cafés, the cinema or going bowling.” SFME: Where have you travelled in the world and what has been memorable for you? DK: “I’ve visited many places in Europe. Every trip is important for me and filled with positive moments. The most exciting memories I have are from my holidays rather than work though.” SFME: What are your sporting goals for 2011 and the future? DK: “As for 2011, it’s hard to choose as this year is going to be very difficult. There will be lots of important and crucial athletics events which I need to qualify for and perform well at. In order to say ‘well done’ to myself, the major thing for me is to have no injuries. The biggest goal is London 2012 of course!” SFME: If you were not a long jumper what other job would you like? DK: “If I wasn’t an athlete, I think I would study history and do archaeology.” SFME: What is your worst habit? DK: “I think it is restraint in my emotions. I keep all my feelings inside whether it’s joy or pain.”