INTERVIEW
Q: "What exactly is an MTN Beach Gladiator?"
Teak: "MTN Beach Gladiators is a new concept conceived by Gladiator South Africa. It is aimed at bringing the Gladiator series to the broader South African public. In an attempt to up its popularity, shows are held on the major beaches of the country. The Beach Gladiators consists of 4 male gladiators: Rhino, Sting, Jackal (which may be remembered from the Springbok Challenge - Birmingham) and Teak (myself)."
Q: "Why does the name Teak suit you?"
Teak: "The name Teak is derived from the hardest wood in Africa, namely teakwood. Its kind is used to make ships, so naturally it can withstand any adversity or earthly intervention. And when all is said and done, I will emerge as that which stood tall and strong through the eye of any storm generated by any of my competitors."
Q: "Did you follow the International Springbok Challenge Gladiators before you became an MTN Beach Gladiator?"
Teak: "Yes, I did follow the Springbok Challenge with a keen interest. The answer is twofold, mainly due to the fact that my best friend and training partner was one of the South African Gladiator team members (Tusk) and also because it was the first of its kind for South Africa."
Q: "Why did you not compete in the South African Gladiators television series?"
Teak: "Rhino, Sting, Jackal and I were chosen sometime before to launch the Beach Gladiator series. We were not on television in the series you are referring to as we were at that time on the beaches of our country promoting this new series for Gladiator South Africa. Snippets of the show were televised on SA television and due to its growing popularity, we are scheduled to appear on television sometime this year."
Q: "Which country do you think has the best set of Gladiators?"
Teak: "Without a doubt, South Africa!!!"
Q: "How do you keep fit for Gladiators?"
Teak: "A Gladiator needs to have strength, speed, power and agility. These are essential components of our fitness so naturally, I hold a cross-training regime mainly consisting of cardiovascular and muscle-strength training activities. To complement this, I also follow a strict balanced diet."
Q: "Which Gladiators in the world do you respect the most?"
Teak: "Tusk has played a major role in influencing me in becoming a Gladiator. We go back a long way and so as friend and mentor, he undoubtedly has my greatest respect. In addition, I also have to commend Rhino, Sting and Jackal who have been my family on the road tour. Every one of us Gladiators play a complementary role to each other so as a team we each have earned the other's respect."
Q: "What do you think of the UK Gladiators?"
Teak: "I have not personally met any of the UK Gladiators as of yet but they certainly seem to be a professional bunch. South Africa welcomes the challenge posed by your experience but we are now a force to be reckoned with."
Q: "Thanks Teak for the interview and good luck for the future."
Teak: "Cheers, MTN Beach Gladiator - Teak."
