I am pleased to announce an exclusive,
Authorised interview with the Australian Glad Commando . An ex
Royal Marine he comes form Plymouth in the UK, So how did he become a Gladiator?
The man behind Commando
Gladnet: Thanks for
allowing me to interview you for Gladnet, Let me kick off by asking what did you do
between the marines and becoming a Gladiator?
Commando: I
started my own personal training business in OZ.After splitting with an X girlfriend I
decided to emigrate and since I have always been into bodybuilding it seemed a natural
progression into Personal training.
Gladnet: So how did an
ex-marine make his way to being an Australian Gladiator? Its not exactly local to
Plymouth, did you get spotted in a bodybuilding competition or something?
Commando:No .In Oz I
established quite a reputation as trainer of the soap stars(Home and Away ,Neighbours ETC)
I also had done several big commercials so when the try outs came along I was able to
stand out a little more than the average gym head because people already new my
background.In OZ All the Glads had to go through a huge selection process including
fitness ,strength,agility,reflexes,drugs,camera awareness and others...so no one was asked
directly to join unless they had first completed all the tests and scored highest.
Gladnet: Did you ever
watch the Gladiators on TV and think "I would like to do that" or did you think
"I could do that" or perhaps you never saw the show at all.
Commando:I had only seen the
US show when I left UK .It wasn't on then but i clearly remember my training partner
coming back from America and saying "Dude you have to watch this video it is
amazing".We joked after that it would be great to actually be on it.Just proves that
anything is possible huh.
Gladnet: Were you very
sporty at school being on school teams or did you become interested in sports later in
life.
Commando:HA HA HA this is the
funny part .I was the fattest kid in school.I actually ran the schools slowest 100meters
ever. No one picked me for anything ...oh except teasing, and I got stacks of that. That's
why I started pumping iron. The old sand in the face story. If their is anyone out their
from Ivybridge Comprehensive I would love to hear from you.
The run of the mill that every would be
Gladiator needs to know.
Gladnet: How often do you
work out in a typical week?
Commando:Off season 5 days for
45min mainly weights. Near a show 6 days,45min speed work,45 min fighting, 45min
weights,and a noon NAP!!
Gladnet: Do you do a lot
of aerobic work as well as weights?
Commando:Being naturally fat i
have to do a fair amount to keep the old six pack sharp. But i always watch that im not
burning muscle tissue.
Gladnet: What are your
eating habits? Do you eat often or like three meals a day.
Commando:I actually have a
book coming out on bodyshaping in April. It explains exactly what i and my clients have
done to look good.Basically without the correct diet you will NEVER look really good. 6
small meals No fat is a good start but everyone is different and the book explains all
this (plug,plug)
Gladnet: How about special
food treats, is there something you could not live without?
Commando:I ALWAYS have a junk
day....Anything i want for 1 day.I have a very sweet tooth so i usually go nuts on
ice-cream and biscuits etc
Gladnet: How many hours a
day do you sleep, and how many would you like to sleep? Is getting up in the morning a
real chore?
Commando:To really grow i
think you need 7-8 hours and a mid afternoon nap.This is in the ideal world however.When I
was personal training i would be up at 4 and not home till 10 at night so i was surviving
on 4-5 .Not advisable but hey ya gotta make a buck.At least i wasn't blowing my body on
partying.
Here are some of the more toughie questions, as
well as the things everyone wants to know.
Gladnet: In the UK the
contenders are becoming fitter but not necessarily stronger, often winning the whole show
on the Eliminator, do you think more emphasis should be placed on beating the Glads than
just being better than you opponent?
Commando:mmmm a toughie
indeed. I think that it perhaps would be better if beating the glads was more important
than it is to the outcome.Hey if you don't like it write to the TV channel, let them
know.They work for you after all!!
Gladnet: When not being a Gladiator what do you do for laughs?
Commando:Well im a computer
freak so i spend a lot of time doing that and I love movies.Bust for a really good laugh I
go out with the other male glads. A real crazy bunch of guys who all get on like brothers.
Gladnet: Do you have any
romantic involvement at the moment, and what do you think of all the adoring young female
fans that follow you about?
Commando:The screaming
girls are great.I love them all.With out them this wouldn't be half as much fun.My own
relationship is kinda in between at the moment so ill keep you posted.
Gladnet: To you, what are
The most important things about being a Gladiator. Is the Philosophy of doing the best you
can what it is about or is there more to it?
Commando:Being a gladiator is
about shaping peoples lifes for the better.I was big time into super heros when i was a
kid and i looked up to them as role models that i could aspire to be like.I think Arnold
was the biggest influence in my life.So seeing some one like him working hard overcoming
incredible odds and not just doing well but killing it made me believe i could do the
same. I sincerely hope that gladiators has a similar effect on its fans.Never give up your
dreams.Make your dreams a reality.And enjoy the rewards
Gladnet: Now this is a
very important question, If you could go on a date with any Gladiator, who would it be and
why?
Commando:OOOhhh Well all the
ozzy girls are like sisters to me so i would probably have to choose Jet.She came over for
the ashes and all the male glads were very taken by her charm and beauty(Hi jet if you
read thisXXX)
Gladnet: Which country has
the best fans and Gladiators??
Commando:English glad fans are
awesome they totally go off.And having fun is what its all about.
Gladnet: Which Gladiators
do you rate to be the best and why?
Commando:No one is a gladiator
unless they are pretty damn good at something so i think they are all great at different
tasks.I do think Condor shines a little brighter than most.He is truly a man with a
mission.
Gladnet: Being a Glad is
more than just a series of shows you have to do a lot of personal appearances. How do you
feel about having people watching out for your every public move? Shadow got sacked for
doing something in the off-season.
Commando:It doesn't bother me
much.I kinda enjoy the public side of things but it hasn't got quite as crazy as the UK
yet so we will see in a year or two.
Gladnet: Will you be
visiting the UK in the near future?
Commando:YES i sincerely hope
to.If not with glads then with my book next year.
Gladnet: Gladiators
retire at some time in their life, when do you think you will and will you go gracefully?
Commando:When someone offers
me something better.I hope to make a living out of TV and Film for a while yet !
Gladnet: Do you have any
plans for the future, a book or record perhaps.?
Commando:Actually both are
possible the book is definitely out soon and a record .......well we will see.Could be
fun.
Gladnet: Well thanks a lot
Commando for your time I wish you success in the forthcoming seasons. And next time your
in the UK give me a shout and I'll buy you a drink or two.
Commando:Thanks for the great
questions I hope i have been of some help.Ill definitely look you up for those drinks how
does sushi a protein drink and a little sake sound? Oh yeah and bring your sister :)
Thanks COMMANDO XXXXX
Copyright © 1995 Peter Langford.