How 10 Elite Athletes Train For Greatness | Business Insider Marathon

This podcast explores how athletes across different disciplines train for greatness. From strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson's intense power drive preparation to contortionist Alexi Gorka's meticulous warm-up routine, the video highlights the dedication and precision required to reach the top. Additionally, the video provides insight into the demanding schedules and rigorous training routines of professional athletes, including the Kentucky Derby horses, the US Women's Water Polo team, and New Zealand's fastest speed climber.

Strongman Training

• 00:00:26 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known as "Thor", is a professional strongman who trains in Iceland. He is known for his incredible strength, particularly in the power drive event, which tests strength and speed. Thor follows a strict diet and incorporates cardio into his training to prepare for strongman competitions.

Contortionist Training

• 00:06:00 Alexi Gorka, a contortionist for the traveling circus company Cirque, trains three to five hours per day to maintain his flexibility and other disciplines. He combines contortion with other disciplines, such as hand balancing and ballet dance, to create unique performances. He also emphasizes the importance of mental control and discipline in his training.

Kentucky Derby

• 00:11:33 The Kentucky Derby is the largest horse race in the United States. Mystic Dan, a three-year-old horse, has one chance in his lifetime to win the race. The race involves a team of professionals who take care of the horses and prepare them for the big race. Mystic Dan's owners and trainer are confident he can win the $3.1 million prize.

Mud Wrestling

• 00:28:00 Kusti, a traditional form of Indian wrestling, has been practiced in mud for over 2,500 years. Wrestlers train intensely, often under the guidance of experienced coaches, and rely on strength and technique to pin their opponents' shoulders to the ground. The sport has faced a decline in popularity due to the government's focus on mat wrestling.

Cruise Ship Performance

• 00:37:34 Royal Caribbean hires professional athletes to perform on the world's largest cruise ships. Ariana Mazza, an aerialist for the show "Hero", describes the challenges of performing at sea, where the ship's movement can affect the performance. She highlights the rigorous training and demanding schedules involved, as well as the perks of traveling the world and receiving free housing and benefits.

US Women's Water Polo

• 00:45:48 The US Women's Water Polo team is one of the most successful women's national teams in history, aiming for their fourth Olympic gold medal. The team's training focuses on building leg strength, improving reaction time, and honing passing skills. The team's coach, Adam Krikorian, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and dedication to reach their goals.

NFL Footwork Training

• 01:05:45 Rashad Whitfield, known as the "Footwork King", trains athletes at every position in football, from high school to the NFL. He emphasizes the importance of precision and movement efficiency, particularly in the NFL, where the margin for error is small. He works with athletes on releases, route running, and footwork, highlighting the importance of mental and physical preparation.

Artistic Swimming

• 01:15:11 The US artistic swimming team is on the brink of an Olympic comeback after 16 years. The team's head coach, Andrea Fuentes, is a four-time Olympic medalist who is working to revitalize the team's performance. Artistic swimming requires a combination of gymnastics, swimming, dance, and water polo skills, and the team's training focuses on strength, flexibility, and synchronized movement.

Speed Climbing

• 01:32:24 Julian DAV is a 19-year-old speed climber from New Zealand. He is one of the fastest speed climbers in the world, and he is preparing for his first Olympic appearance. Speed climbing involves using a combination of strength, speed, and technique to reach the top of a wall as quickly as possible. Julian's training focuses on repetition and building leg power.

Hollywood Stunt Falls

• 01:50:59 Stunt performers use a variety of techniques to safely perform dangerous falls in movies and television shows. These techniques include the "suicide fall", which helps performers avoid spinal injuries, and the "header", which allows performers to land flat on their back. Stunt performers also use various safety measures, such as padding and airbags, to minimize the risk of injury.