ATHLETES’ SUPERSTITIONS

Athletes work hard on the field and outside of it. They put immense effort and consideration into their diets, exercises, lifestyle, and routines. They shift their entire mindset and way of living to preserve their spots on the team. But sometimes hard work and commitment aren’t enough and they find themselves relying on unknown forces and superstitious beliefs to help them secure their team’s win.

Here are some of the strangest superstitions that our favorite athletes have indulged in.

LYOTO MACHIDA He is known

professionally as The Dragon and is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and karateka, currently signed with Bellator MMA. He owes his success to him drinking his own urine. He believes in the success “urine therapy” brings with it, and how it is something he drinks every morning, like a natural medicine. This is knowledge and practice that he replicates from his father.

SUPERSTITIONSATHLETES’

AFRICAN FOOTBALL CLUB, MIDLANDS PORTLAND

CEMENT In 2008 their coach instructed the team to take a “cleansing dip” as the coach felt that there needed to be a change in their set of course. The team had unfortunately lost many games, and this seemed like an opportunity for them to change this and redeem themselves. Ironically, this incident brought with it further bad luck. The river was not the type of river to be acquainted with, as it was close to Victoria Falls, had strong currents, and was home to crocodiles and hippos. One of the players drowned in the incident, and then they lost their upcoming match as well.

JASON GIAMBI AND THEIR

TEAMMATES He is an American former professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter. In 2008, he and the team had found themselves in a rather large slump, and that’s when he found himself wearing a gold thong under his uniform. Seeing the positive results correlated with Giambi’s actions, his teammates attempted the same ritual.

KEVIN RHOMBERG

He is a former left fielder in major League Baseball and made a major league debut on June 9th, 1982. He wasn’t considered to be an exceptional player, but rather an exceptionally weird person. He would never turn right while on the field, and if he did he would have to spin left. Additionally, he had a rather emphasis on the necessity of touching someone back, after being touched by them. If Rhomberg was touched while sliding into second, he’d chase the fielder down and touch him back every time. This would also go for coaches and teammates as well.

LES MILES Les Miles is an American Football coach, and in 2007 he left the LSU Tigers football team to a win in the BCS National Championship Game. Before every game, and especially in high-stress situations he will indulge in eating the grass from the turf. When interviewed about it he mentions how it humbles him, and reminds him of how he is one with the game.

By–Sanjana Karthik

FROZEN APPLE MARGARITA

To make this frozen drink into a mock-tail, swap the tequila for an extra cup of sparkling apple juice.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 lime, halved 2. 2 cups (500ml) Sparkling apple juice 3. 1 cup (250ml) tequila (optional) 4. 2 tsp finely grated lime rind 5. 2 tbsp lime juice 6. 4 cups ice cubes 7. 4 slices green apple 8. Lime zest, Salt to serve

METHOD

Place salt on a plate. Run the cut side of the lime around the rims of serving glasses. Dip in the salt to coat. Place sparkling apple juice, tequila, if using, lime rind, lime juice and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour evenly among the glasses. Decorate with apple slices and lime zest.

PEACH FIZZ

Cool down with this fresh peach fizz served with mint leaves and juicy raspberries.

INGREDIENTS

1. 2 white peaches, stoned, finely chopped 2. 1/3 cup (80ml) lime juice 3. 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar 4. Thinly sliced peach, extra, to serve 5. Raspberries, to serve 6. 1/2 cup (125ml) gin (optional) 7. Crushed ice, to serve 8. 1.25L chilled sparkling lemon or lime mineral water 9. Mint leaves, to serve

METHOD

STEP 1- Combine chopped peach, lime juice and sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 mins or until peach is very tender. Remove from heat. Transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth. Place in the fridge to chill.

STEP 2- Divide extra peach and raspberries among serving glasses. Combine peach puree and gin, if using, in a jug. Pour evenly among the glasses. Top with ice, mineral water and mint. (If not using gin, add extra mineral water or soda water.

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