In this episode 12 of the Stride, Sharbel Elia shares his journey as a table tennis athlete, discussing his early beginnings, training regimen, and the mental and physical demands of the sport. He emphasizes the importance of strategy, understanding opponents, and the ranking system in table tennis. Sharbel also addresses common misconceptions about the sport and highlights the significance of social aspects and crowd energy during competitions. He shares his aspirations for the future and the need for continuous improvement and competition at higher levels.

takeaways

• Sharbel started playing table tennis at the age of seven.

• His passion for the sport grew through daily practice and competition.

• Training with the national team has been crucial for his development.

• Understanding opponents is key to success in matches.

• The ranking system in table tennis has its strengths and weaknesses.

• Setting goals is essential for competitive athletes.

• Physical conditioning, especially leg strength, is vital for performance.

• Mental conditioning plays a significant role in competitive success.

• Crowd energy can positively impact performance during matches.

• • Misconceptions about table tennis often underestimate its demands.

  
  

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In episode 11 of the Stride, Francesco shares his journey from a casual hiker in the Aosta Valley of Italy to a competitive trail runner. He discusses the evolution of trail running as a sport, the transition from hiking to racing, and the importance of structured training. Francesco elaborates on the physical and mental challenges of ultra-distance races, including nutrition and pacing strategies. He also touches on the global ranking systems in trail running and shares his personal goals for future competitions, emphasizing the importance of gradual progression in the sport.

Takeaways

• Francesco was born in Aosta Valley, Italy, where he developed a passion for mountain sports.

• Trail running was not competitive during Francesco's childhood; it evolved into a sport later.

• Transitioning from hiking to competitive running involved a gradual process of training and racing.

• Structured training plans significantly improved Francesco's performance in competitions.

• Nutrition and hydration are crucial during long races; athletes must plan their intake carefully.

• Francesco's longest races include 110 km with 8,000 meters of elevation gain.

• Training for ultra-distances involves long runs of 50-70% of the race distance.

• The UTMB index provides a global ranking for trail runners, but not all races are included.

• Francesco prefers setting individual competition goals rather than focusing on rankings.

• Mental strength is as important as physical training in completing ultra-distance races.

In the episode 10 of the Stride, Eslam Sagui shares his journey from Libya to Malta and his discovery of Capoeira during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains the origins of Capoeira as a martial art developed by African slaves in Brazil, its cultural significance, and how it has evolved into a competitive sport in recent years.

Eslam discusses the technical aspects of Capoeira, its connection to music, and the importance of competition in promoting the sport in Europe. In this conversation, Eslam Sagui discusses the intricacies of Capoeira, a unique martial art that blends dance, acrobatics, and music.

He explains the different styles of Capoeira, the cultural significance of the sport, and his personal journey as a competitor. Eslam shares insights into the challenges of finding sponsorship and support for athletes in lesser-known sports, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in sports marketing. He expresses his passion for Capoeira and his commitment to representing Malta on the international stage.

Takeaways

• Eslam grew up in Libya and was always active in sports.

• He discovered Capoeira during a walk on the beach in Malta.

• Capoeira originated from African slaves in Brazil as a form of self-defense.

• The movements in Capoeira are inspired by animals and are often mistaken for dance.

• Capoeira was illegal in Brazil until the 1930s when it became recognized as a legitimate sport.

• Competitions in Capoeira have only been organized in the last 15 years.

• Capoeira combines martial arts with music and cultural storytelling.

• The sport is accessible and can be practiced in informal settings.

• Capoeira competitions are structured by age and skill level to ensure fairness.

• Eslam emphasizes the importance of competition for the growth of Capoeira in Europe. Capoeira is distinct from other martial arts like boxing and jiu-jitsu.

• There are three main styles of Capoeira: Angola, Bangala, and Hijunao.

• Capoeira is not just a sport; it's a cultural expression.

Keywords

Capoeira, martial arts, Eslam Sagui, sports history, competition, cultural significance, physical fitness, Brazilian culture, athletic training, sports management, Capoeira, martial arts, competition, sponsorship, athlete support, cultural heritage, training, performance, history, community