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FINAL, SERIES 2 (29/03/09)
FRIDAY APRIL 03, 2009
Wow! What a great final it was. The contenders put in every last ounce of effort and the Gladiators really made them work hard for every single point that they scored.
Atlas was on fire wasn’t he? I think it was the best Gauntlet performance from a male Gladiator all series, and Warrior certainly got stuck in too. As for Duel, where has the Atlas/Duel combo been all our lives. It meant so much to Atlas to finally get his opportunity to go out there and show what he can do with a Pugil stick. He has since let me in on his secret training technique for Duel, using normal everyday gym equipment to enhance the combined skills of power, speed and balance required for this event. I would to share the secret but am sworn to secrecy, so sorry! Atlas and Oblivion both put in solid performances on Hang Tough, despite the contenders attempts to fend them off. Gosh! Atlas did have a busy day didn’t he?
The female Gladiators were all amazing and the contenders stood little chance of ever getting a high tally of points. Panther has her Gauntlet technique wrapped up now, and nobody is passing her without a real struggle and Siren did well at finishing off the job. Tempest and Cyclone were so fast up the Wall, I think that contenders are going to need either wings or a bungee rope to ever stand a chance against them.
My favourite event of the evening was Pyramid. Whilst watching the girls I was yelling “Yes, Yes, Yes”. Finally some girls, on the Pyramid, giving it their all. Siren and Enigma had to put in maximum effort to prevent them from scoring points. I have never seen Enigma with tired legs at the end of an event, but she almost did a Bambi in the last few seconds. Enigma’s interview at the end emulated that point, as it’s a very rare occasion that Enigma will compliment the mere mortals.
The guys Pyramid was just as exciting. I had to rewind on my SkyPlus several times to see what went wrong with Warrior. I came to the conclusion that it was an awkward landing that left his feet on the step above his body, by the time he got himself the correct way up it was too late, as David flew up the Pyramid as though he had a rocket propelling him. Unlucky Wazza! There had been a lot of speculation back stage regarding whether Goliath would be fast enough for this event (not from the Gladiators). Believe it or not Goliath used to be a great footballer, so speed is something that is not a problem for him, and with a reach the length of his, Pyramid proved to be an event that suited him down to the ground.
The eliminators were of the high standard that we expected for a final. Kathryn and Hannah started together and were neck and neck until the monkey bars. Kathryn proved her superiority in both upper body strength and explosive lower body power by creating a significant lead on the monkey bars and pyramid climb, in doing so proving herself a worthy winner. David was equally as convincing a winner, he had a 6 second lead, but actually extended this lead over the course of his faultless eliminator.
Kathryn, Hannah, David and Chris had been on a long journey, from attending that first contender audition, to reaching the grand final of Gladiators 2009. As Hannah stated, and I am sure is true for them all, they have learned a lot about themselves and surprised themselves at just how much their bodies and minds can endure.
David initially thought that a broken nose may send him out of the competition, but he surprised himself and I’m sure his family and friends by soldiering on to win (although I did feel for the poor soul having to wear that awful muzzle mask).
Kathryn started off being a slightly wimpy, very appearance conscious girl in the first heat, and I know she wouldn’t mind me saying that (remember her 10 hair alterations in episode 3, and I remember her telling me on several occasions about the scratches that she got from my sequins following our Pyramid battle.) Over the course of the series she grew into a very composed, determined and tough young woman. In contrast to her earlier heats she was able to brush off a good pounding (and I’m guessing severe winding) that she got from Panther in Duel and practically leave her hair alone. Kathryn you always looked immaculate anyway! From the moment the final began, there was no doubt in my mind that Kathryn would be victorious.
The Big O made a great point, that it doesn’t matter if you are the strongest, it doesn’t matter if you are the bravest and it certainly doesn’t matter if you are the best looking, as there will only ever be one Big O, whoops! I mean, as there are many other personal attributes required to be a Gladiator champion.
I’ll finish this extra long blog with a final phrase once said by one of the world’s all-time sporting legends . .(no not Oblivion!!!)
“Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision.”
Muhammad Ali
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