Since I was a competitor on American Gladiators, competing against the original Gladiators, I was excited to get my copy of Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption. Plus I love true stories and this is a story about someone I knew, Dan Clark AKA "Nitro". In fact there were many people he wrote about in this book that brought back fond memories!
American Gladiators was the first reality show and it became a cultural phenomenon. The year I competed (1990), which was only the second season, 10,000 people tried out with only 12 of us making it as contestants on the show –- and it only got bigger each year. The best part about American Gladiators is that it was REAL!
Speaking of reality, Gladiator A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption, is as real as it gets. Dan Clark is not just open and honest about his steroid use (abuse rather) but gives candid accounts of his tragic childhood, who he was as "Nitro", and who he is now.
Athletes are a unique and exciting breed of people and have a never-ending drive toward perfection and winning. But do we know what makes them tick and the price they sometimes pay? Dan Clark is no exception other than he has a dark secret to overcome.... but I won't give away the story!
If you like stories about athletes or about people who overcome adversity, this book is a must-read. This book is stimulating and highlights Dan's drive, trials and triumphs, all while he is tackling his inner "demons" and grasping his humanity.
Reading about his childhood was particularly touching and left me with an overwhelming feeling of compassion, which stuck with me throughout the book. Learning about his struggles and addiction was tolerable and actually touched my heart at times, but I was annoyed by his arrogance (with a slice of self-deprecation), coldness, and self-centeredness throughout. Was this his personality now? Where's the redemption part?
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