The Sports Archives – A Quick History Lesson in the Art of Taekwondo

Posted on September 24, 2012 by thesportsarchives

taekwondoTaekwondo was established from simple and modest beginnings over 1,000 years ago and has since spread to become one of the world’s most successful and popular form of martial arts. Instructors and those training enjoy physical and mental discipline, as well as an excellent exercise regimen, plus the ability to protect themselves if necessary. Taekwondo is not only a fun sport, but for practitioners, a way of life.

Taekwondo is one of the most traditional and scientific Korean martial arts, one that teaches more than combat skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of improving one’s life through training extensively training the body and mind. Today, it has become a sport that has gone global and has gained international coverage, and as of 2000, is among the official games in the Olympics.

Taekwondo is the correct way of using tae and kwon ‘fists and feet,’ second, it is a way to maintain peace and control combative behavior.

This idea comes from the meaning of tae kwon ‘to put fists under control’. So taekwondo means “the right way of using all the parts of the body to put a stop to fights or combats. If properly taught and practiced, taekwondo is a nonaggressive and moral system of self-defense.

A significant goal of taekwondo training with respect to the mind and body is the attempt to eliminate the gap separating the two. The mind and body must learn to act, and react, together. Through practice, thought, and action it can become unified as one.

Using taekwondo is not to be trivialized by showing off, boasting, or bragging. Bragging about one’s ability is foolish.  Just because one has a strong side kick does not mean he is better than someone nor does it mean that he is invincible.

Bragging about your skills or to impress others cheapens your accomplishments. Always keep in mind that you can do serious damage to another person.  Responding violently to taunts or insults is improper and attacking someone because they insulted you is not self-defense. Always seek an alternative to violence, avoiding it if possible.  Walk away; look for crowds or other safe areas to take refuge. Avoiding conflict is not a sign of cowardice; it is a sign of wisdom.

Taekwondo system of training usually includes blocks, kicks, punches, and strikes and may include various sweeps, throws, and joint locks.

Usage of taekwondo’s powerful methods requires self-control and discipline. It might be difficult, but it is a worthwhile accomplishment.

If you and/or your child is interested in taking taekwondo lessons in Chandler or Gilbert, Arizona, please speak with Sandoval Karate and ask about family discounts.

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The Sports Archives – A few Interesting Facts That you Never Knew About Golf!

Posted on September 22, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Tiger WoodsGolf is a game associated with the wealthy and the elderly, so you would think that interesting wouldn’t really be a word that is associated with the game. This would be wrong, there are many facts, most of them interesting, about golf that may make you feel differently about the sport.

Golf, ‘Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden’, right? Wrong. Golf is a game that can be played by anyone of any age; the word golf actually came from the Dutch work ‘kolf’ meaning ‘club’, this was then passed onto the Scottish who turned it into ‘golve’ which has since been adapted to the word we use today.

Playing golf well is a skill; the reality is that over 80% of golfers will never score a handicap lower than 18, so there’s no need to be embarrassed if you have no idea what you’re doing, just make sure you’re holding the club the right way round.

It doesn’t matter what hand you write with, you can still play golf. We are at an age where left-handedness has been accepted and it is therefore possible to buy left-handed golf clubs. In fact Golfing Pro Phil Mickelson plays golf left-handed, however, he is right-handed. He learned to play by mirroring his father’s action and has therefore always used a left-handed golf club.

Showing that golf is a game for all ages is Tiger Woods and Coby Orr. Woods gained his first victory at the age of just eight whereas Orr is the youngest golfer ever to score a hole in one at the tender age of just five.

The dimples on a golf ball, is there anything significant about them? Most people would probably think not, however there is. In fact, on every regulation golf ball there are 336 of those little dimples. Golf balls haven’t always been made with 336 dimples in them; until 1848, golfers used feather balls. Feather balls were made of leather and packed tightly full of feathers; the more tightly packed the feathers the further the balls would travel.

Most golf courses are big and they do take a while to walk around, but think yourself lucky you’re not playing the longest course in the world.  The International Golf Club in Massachusetts, America, is a par 77 course measuring a mammoth 8,325 yards or 7,612 metres or 24,975 feet.

Finally, if you’re feeling lucky you could be one of the few people to ever make two holes-in-one in one game of golf. In fact the odds of accomplishing this task are 1 in 67 million.

This article was written by Jamie Borg who would recommend http://www.travelsolutionsireland.com, for their top class golf tours.

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The Sports Archives – The Australian Open 2013: Can Djokovic Three-peat?

Posted on September 21, 2012 by thesportsarchives

The Aussie Open is the major curtain-raiser to a new tennis year. It offers tennis fans an early indication of whether the top players are ready to protect their status or whether there might be the possibility of a little power shift at the top of the rankings.

TennisNovak Djokovic has secured the Australian title for the last two years. In 2012 he prevailed in an epic final against Rafael Nadal, the longest Grand Slam final of the Open era. A third successive win would establish the Serbian player as a master of the blue surface and would be likely to restore him to the top of the world rankings. He had an indifferent 2012 by his standards but the Australian Open is one of his favorite tournaments and an obvious place to reassert his authority.

Nadal – ready to return?

Much will depend on the preparation and form of the medical enigma called Rafael Nadal. The Spanish player won the Australian title in 2009 and came so close to beating Djokovic in the 2012 final. Persistent and recurrent injuries have threatened to end the career of the most naturally gifted player of his generation. In the past, the Australian Open has found the Spanish star a little unfit and rusty after the winter break. If Nadal can recuperate and rediscover his fitness and form over the winter, he may be ready to announce his return in the first Grand Slam tournament of 2013.

The Past and The Future

Roger Federer and Andy Murray represent the recent past of the sport and one of its potential futures. Federer’s performances in 2012 suggested that he didn’t agree with those observers who were ready to write him off. He reclaimed his number one world ranking in a year when he was supposed to fade gracefully into the history books. Retirement might be looming, but the Swiss star obviously believes he still has the chance to add to his tally of Slams before age finally slows him down. Federer has won four Aussie Open titles, the most recent of them in 2010.

Andy Murray has been threatening to win a Grand Slam title for years. The appointment of Ivan Lendl as his coach has made a noticeable difference to his tactical approach and to his appetite for victory. The immediate reward was an Olympic gold medal. That achievement involved beating both Djokovic and Federer impressively. Murray will come back in 2013 determined to reach and win Grand Slam finals and challenge for the number one ranking.

These are the obvious challengers out to deprive Djokovic of his title. Tennis fans will hope for a fit Nadal, clement weather and another Australian Open that lives in the memory.

Stephen Craig is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @SCraigSEO.

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The Sports Archives – Sports We Can’t Wait to See in 2013!

Posted on September 20, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Manny PacquiaoSports fans can be some of the most arrogant, while at the same time being the most loyal. When fall rolls around, all the football fans seem to flood every bar within a 10 mile radius of our homes, beefed up on finger foods and ice-cold beers.  But can you blame them? Athletes are some of the most disciplined, not to mention talented people in this world. The stamina it takes to perform with diligence, coupled with the determination to win, is the reason why we find ourselves glued to the television during the most intense of games. From good old rival football teams, the wait for Mayweather and Pacquiao to the Australian Open in 2013 – we have a lot to look forward to.

Football is Back


When the New Year hits, we can expect quite a few showstoppers. After all they seem to happen every year and who can deny the rivalry games during football season? Whether you’re for or against the teams playing, you still want to watch. There’s nothing like seeing history being made by a top or upcoming athlete and knowing that if it hadn’t been for you watching, you would have missed the immediate celebration as well as forgo being in the loop of an abundance of tweets, texts and meme’s.

The Anticipated Fight

Besides football, there is the imminent boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Floyd MayweatherManny Pacquiao that could possibly take place in 2013 at Las Vegas. This match has been brewing since 2009 and just like football fans, boxing fans find themselves infatuated with the possibility of someone taking home the bragging rights. Since Mayweather was recently convicted on assault charges and was just released August 3rd, his campaign will not commit to a specific date in which the Pacquiao fight will take place. One thing is for sure; with all the drama, delays and speculation surrounding this heavily anticipated match, Pacquiao and Mayweather both have huge expectations. Even if they don’t come to an agreement to fight in the spring of 2013 as planned, it’s a safe bet that boxing fans everywhere won’t get tired of waiting.

Rackets Up

There is one certainty for sports next year though which happens to be the biggest sporting event in the month of January, the Australian Open. While little information has been released as to the initiatives for the Australian Open 2013, predictions of who will be walking away a champion are already swirling about.  Serena Williams, Samantha Stosur and Andy Murray are all favorites for 2013 and have been playing unbelievable tennis during 2012.

While tennis is unlike the physical sports of boxing and football, it is still a sport and one of great difficulty. Tennis requires concentration, endurance and strength, so watching these key players next year will inevitably be history in the making.

Citations:

Mercedes Potter is a huge sports fan who can’t wait to watch the Redskins vs. Cowboys next year. Follow her @CedesPotter to see what else read other sports related articles.

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The Sports Archives – Some Of The World’s Weirdest And Most Unbelievable Sports – Have You Heard of Wife Carrying?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by thesportsarchives

If you are looking for a new sport to get involved in but are not drawn to any of the classes that are offered down at your local leisure center, take a look at some of the weirder sporting activities that you could try your hand at.

Chess Boxing

Chess BoxingIs it chess or is it boxing? Well actually it’s both. This is a strange concept, a fusion of a somewhat brain testing game with a brain bashing one. In involves alternating rounds of boxing and chess and it was developed in 1992 by a Dutch artist. There are two ways to win, the first person to either achieve a knock out or a check mate is declared the champion.

Bunny Show Jumping (Kaninhop)

Always liked show jumping but never been able to afford the horse? Try a bunny. So Bunny JumpingOK, you are not going to get it fitted out for a saddle any time soon, but you can still lead it around the showground and over a range of jumps and obstacles, and let’s face it compared to a horse, bunnies are a lot easier to transport and they don’t leave anywhere near as much mess behind them. This fluffy sport was developed in Sweden in the 1970’s and led to the development of the Rabbit Agility Association.

Camel Wrestling

Camel WresltingCalm down, it’s not you that is going to be wrestling the camel! This is actually camel on camel action that takes place in a purpose built wrestling pit. This form of wrestling has been popular in Turkey for a very long time and there is a lot of respect to be gained from being a champion camel wrestler trainer. It’s a little sneaky though, as the way they get the camels to tackle each other is by placing a particularly attractive female in front of them, who just happens to be in season, and they obligingly fight it out over her.

Wife Carrying

No, this has nothing to do with finances or whatever else sprung into your mind. Wife Wife Carryingcarrying is exactly as the name would suggest. A man has to race 253 metres which to those of you lacking the ability to visualize the distance equates to the length of three football pitches. Their wife, whom we assume is a willing participant, is strapped securely to their backs and well, put simply, they race. What quite understandably started as a joke is now a sport that is enjoyed around the world.

Ferret Legging

Ferret LeggingAlways thought that you would never be described as an athlete? Then stuff two ferrets down your trousers in front of a crowd of eager onlookers and you are perfectly entitled to claim that title, because yes, this is indeed a recognized sport. Just bear in mind though that the ferrets will be fighting and nipping each other all the while that they are down your pants, not a sports for the ticklish or the squeamish. The ferret legging world record stands at 5 hours and 26 minutes.  Still up for it?

Are you looking for ways to keep your children fit and healthy? Visit Puddle Ducks now for more information on swimming lessons and classes.

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The Sports Archives – Are Extreme Sports Really Dangerous?

Posted on September 18, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Extreme SportsIn the mythology of the Greeks, there was Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who wore the wings his father made from bird feathers and wax and used it to escape from Crete. His father told him not to fly close to the sun as the heat would melt the wax causing him to fall. Icarus did not follow his father’s instructions and this caused his demise. Icarus was not exactly engaging in an extreme sport when he flew with his father’s wings; but he did do something that is far too dangerous for others to attempt without the proper skills.

Extreme sports are dangerous activities that not everyone can do. Usually, men (and a few women) between the ages of 20 to 45 are attracted to extreme sports. These are people who live for the moment and crave the adrenaline rush. There are many extreme sports participated in by thousands upon thousands of people year in and year out. Some are professional, long-term extreme sport athletes while others are mere enthusiasts or one-time participants.

Also called free sport, adventure sport or action sport, an extreme sport can involve high speeds, unbelievable heights, extreme physical exertion, specialized equipment and incredible, death-defying stunts.

It is hard to define which extreme sports are the most dangerous. For one thing, there is very little data on injuries and deaths from extreme sports individually or in general. Common injuries from participating in extreme sports range from ordinary gashes and wounds to broken bones, frostbite, concussions, and brain damage.

Road cycling probably has the highest number of physical injuries out of any sport but it is not an extreme sport. Some sports have more deaths compared to the so-called extreme sports. For instance, many have died from drowning in the United Kingdom due to angling. Angling is not considered an extreme sport.

Some of the extreme sports are BASE jumping, heli-skiing, bull riding, bungee jumping, ski jumping, cliff diving, mountain biking, speed skiing, street luging, cave diving, ice climbing, whitewater kayaking and big-wave surfing. But since the definition of the term “extreme sports” is not crystal clear, some may argue that certain sports should not be considered extreme sports at all.

The question is: “Are extreme sports really dangerous?” The answer: “Of course they are.” A single mistake from the participant, a simple failure in the equipment, or an unexpected environmental factor that cause things to go horribly wrong can result in physical injuries for the participant or even his untimely demise. But risk takers can still enjoy extreme sports for as long as they are highly trained, physically able and understand the risks involved in their chosen extreme sport.

When an avid BASE jumper was asked why he does what he does, he said, “Because I can!” People will continue to participate in extreme sports for many reasons. The key to surviving an extreme sport is not only meticulous planning and perfect execution but also the cooperation of Mother Nature.

Use this resource if you want to start doing extreme sports with a trainer. While extreme sports can be fun and exciting, you have to know that your trainer is safe and qualified before you start.

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The Sports Archives – Did You See That? Top London 2012 Moments!

Posted on September 17, 2012 by thesportsarchives

The London Olympics provided us with more captivating story lines and memorable moments than we could ever have wished for. The drama, the passion, the commitment, the joy, the tears, and the hope… the Olympics brought so much into our lives that it is difficult to contemplate that the event will not embrace our TV screens for another four years. Leaving us with a compendium of memories, from extraordinary triumphs to heart-breaking tribulations, the 17-day event, in which the world seemingly came together to share their emotions and excitement, will remain in our minds for decades to come. Hailed as the event that changed the face of Britain, these top-ten moments will be passed through the generations and will inspire children to take up physical activity and truly embrace the concept of the Olympic legacy.

Image courtesy of Nick J Webb, Flickr

Here is our selection of the best bits from the 2012 Olympic Games.

1. Phelps tops the medal table

In Beijing, America’s Michael Phelps topped the chart for the most medals won during an Olympic Games. In London, Phelps secured his position amongst the sporting giants by winning his 22nd Olympic medal, succeeding all other Olympians.

2. Bolt sprints away with more medals

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt became the first sprinter to literally run away with the gold medals at both the 100 metre and 200 metre finals at two Olympics. His achievements have enabled him to be considered by many to be the greatest sprinter ever to have walked the earth.

3. Boudia upsets the podium places

In the men’s 10 metre platform diving, one man secured his place at the top of the podium by the slimmest of margins. American David Boudia placed only 18th in preliminary round, scraping himself into a place in the semifinals. However, it seemed that Boudia was saving his best efforts until last, upsetting the medal predictions by beating China’s Qui Bo and successfully becoming America’s first male platform diving medal winner since Greg Louganis.

4. Farah does the double

Benefiting from the support of the home crowd, Britain’s Mo Farah fought his way onto the top podium place in both the 10,000 metre and 5,000 metre finals. Farah dedicated his two gold medals to his two unborn twins. The stadium was alight with Mexican wave style cheers as Mo made his round the track building into a crescendo of rapturous applause as he crossed the line in both races.

5. Zonderland dazzles with epic bar work

The Netherlands’ Epke Zonderland amazed viewers with his horizontal high bar performance, which featured a challenging Cassina-Kovacs-Kolman combination. His gold was the Netherlands’ first ever gymnastics medal.

6. Feck flops in the diving

Germany’s Stephan Feck amused the audience with an uncharacteristic “back flop” that drew zeros from the judging team of the preliminary round of the men’s 3 metre springboard diving. Unsurprisingly, his dive quickly became an Internet sensation with viewers from across the globe.

7. Murray seeks revenge after Wimbledon loss

Just two weeks after being beaten in the Wimbledon finals by Switzerland’s tennis ace Roger Federer, Britain’s Andy Murray’s quest for an Olympic gold on home ground proved successful. Beating Federer in straight sets 6–2, 6–1, 6–4, Murray became the first British tennis player in over a century to win an Olympic gold medal.

Image courtesy of James Bird, Flickr

8. Mitchell runs through the pain of a bad break

America’s Manteo Mitchell ran through the pain of a broken leg during the men’s 4 x 400 metre relay to enable his team to qualify in the heats. Mitchell later watched his teammates win the gold medal in the final.

9. Le Clos beats Phelps in the final stroke

South Africa’s Chad le Clos beat America’s two-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps to the gold in the 200 metre butterfly. Le Clos swam to victory in just 1 minute 52.96 seconds – 0.05 seconds faster than Phelps.

10. Harrison secures her place in history

Kayla Harrison became America’s first judo champion after standing victorious in the women’s under 78 kilogram competition. Harrison, who suffered from sexual abuse at the hands of a former coach, was hailed for turning her traumatic past into a tremendous triumph.

While some athletes have vowed to continue, others have voiced their retirement plans. Regardless of the athletes’ own future visions, we can be sure to look forward to more spectacular sporting moments in Rio in four years’ time.

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The Sports Archives – What Causes Stitch When Running?

Posted on September 15, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Runner with StitchAny individual who has taken part in a run or other exercise activity will almost definitely have experienced the sharp pain below the ribs at some point known as ‘stitch’, but what are the reasons behind this?

Research shows that a high percentage of people who take part in running on a regular basis have at some point (or more frequently in plenty of cases) suffered from stitch (also known as Exercise-related Transient Abdominal Pain), which is described as an uncomfortable and sharp feeling in the upper abdomen. It can either disrupt your run or it can stop you in your tracks until it has passed, but what is certain is that it is a very unwelcome occurrence. The exact cause has been debated many times, with some theories appearing to have more scientific weight than others.

How does it happen?

Diaphragm

There have been a few possible reasons suggested as to why stitch occurs and one of the most common of these is that the diaphragm, separating the heart and lungs from your abdomen, does not receive as much blood as it should do. This particular reason has been challenged because stitch can also happen when someone is taking part in an activity that does not necessarily need a great deal of activity in a respiratory sense.

Indigestion

An alternative reason often cited is that the body has trouble digesting certain fluids and this can mean that the ligaments from the organs in the abdomen through to the diaphragm can be pulled on during running and other similar activities. This idea however has been met with scepticism from some quarters due to the fact that swimmers can suffer from stitch despite not being subjected to the movements that cause this pulling on the ligaments.

Preventing stitch

Those who have undertaken studies into the causes of stitch have suggested that you can help yourself in avoiding it by warming up sufficiently and steering clear of some other practices. It is recommended that you do not have carbonated drinks before your session as well as not eating too close to beginning exercise.

Dealing with it when it occurs

Unfortunately, stitch is a frequent complaint for many runners and due to so many experiencing it there have been numerous possible ways to lessen the effects of it that have been suggested. You can battle through until the pain subsides or you can stop the run temporarily. Breathing out heavily as your right foot hits the floor is also recommended, as is stopping to stretch and touch your toes. Pressing on the area where you are feeling the stitch has been reported as quite successful also.

Article written by Lewis Johnson representing http://www.irishfit.eu who offer a large selection of exercise clothing and equipment, from the mens wet suit to nutritional supplements.

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The Sports Archives – Women Enjoy Football And Other Sports More Than You Might Think

Posted on September 14, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Woman Watching FootballStereotypically, women aren’t huge sports fans. When you think of a packed stadium, you might think of a raucous crowd made up of bands of grown men celebrating with foam fingers, face paint, and giant beers. But it turns out that an increasing number of female sports fan are slathering on the face paint as well.

Save a Seat for Women at Any NFL Game

In all, one-third of avid NFL fans are women. You heard that right. Thirty three percent of people who say they are very interested in football are women.  The teams with the most fans overall include Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Minnesota Vikings.

It’s Not Only the Olympians that Are Female

In the 2012 London Olympics there were more female athletes than male athletes. On top of this, 29 of the 46 gold medals earned in the 2012 London Olympics went to women athletes. It was a big year for women, both as competitors and as fans.

According to a recent study, the Olympics are the third most popular series of sporting events among women. The number of women interested in the sport is fairly consistent across the country, but that same study found that the largest percentage of female Olympic fans lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Des Moines, Iowa.

Why Do Women Enjoy Sports More than They Did Before?

There are several theories that explain why women enjoy sports at a growing pace.

For starters, it’s the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the law that gave more girls and women an equal opportunity to play sports in school, which they did. Forty years of increased participation will, of course, result in increased fandom.

Another possible reason is the fact that sports in general and football specifically has become more popular overall. According to a recent New York Times article, Sunday Night Football is the most popular program among men.

With more men watching the show it only makes sense that more women living in the same household would watch the show as a result. Once a person watches any program it’s likely that they will get drawn in. The viewer begins to follow the personal stories of the players, the drama among teams, and let’s not forget the personal investment in fantasy leagues and workplace betting pools.

There’s no doubt that men are still the dominate set of sports fans, but women cannot be overlooked as sports fans.

This is a guest post by Allison Murray on behalf of market research company, Scarborough Research.  Scarborough measures the lifestyles, shopping patterns, television statistics, media behaviors, and national demographics of Americans.

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The Sports Archives – Did Lance Armstrong Deserve to be Stripped of his Titles?

Posted on September 13, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Lance ArmstrongLance Armstrong won the Tour De France, one of the toughest endurance events in any sport in the world, an amazing seven consecutive times. Even more impressively, all of those wins came after he had been diagnosed with, and defeated, testicular cancer. As a cancer survivor who won such a challenging event against the best riders in the world, Lance Armstrong has become a hero to many people all around the world. In 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Association (USADA) stripped Armstrong of all seven of his Tour De France victories over doping allegations.

Allegations

Armstrong had faced doping accusations since the 1999 Tour De France, including a positive test for steroids during that year’s Tour which was overturned. In July of 2012, USADA charged Armstrong not only with doping but also with drug trafficking. USADA used blood samples that were taken in 2009 and 2010 from Armstrong along with testimony from other riders as the basis for their charges. They also charged three of Armstrong’s former teammates, including the team doctor and Armstrong’s consulting doctor. Armstrong sued to have USADA’s charges thrown out but when that lawsuit was thrown out, Armstrong dropped the fight against USADA. Many took that to be an admission of guilt on Armstrong’s part.

Teammate Testimony

Two former teammates of Armstrong’s, Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis, are among those who have testified against Armstrong. Hamilton won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in 2004 and Floyd Landis won the 2006 Tour De France. They both failed drug tests and were forced to retire from cycling. Hamilton and Landis not only testified that they knew Armstrong were doping but that he had taught them how to do it so as to not get caught. Armstrong has denied all of the charges from both of these former teammates.

Drug Tests

One of the ways in which Armstrong defends himself is to claim that he has never failed a drug test, which is not exactly true. In 1999, a urine test showed a corticosteroid result that Armstrong claimed was the result of using a cream to treat saddle sores. Armstrong produced a medical certificate for that test. Armstrong’s masseuse denied that Armstrong suffered from saddle sores. Floyd Landis alleged that Armstrong failed a test in 2002 and bribed the testing organization with payments of $25,000 and $100,000. There is evidence of those payments being made.

Should He Be Stripped?

The question from all of this is: did Armstrong deserve to be stripped of his tour wins? The answer is yes. Many tour riders have been stripped of their wins over similar issues and Lance Armstrong is no different. If they deserve to be stripped of their wins, so does he. The evidence against him is simply too strong to deny. There are the failed tests, the testimony of teammates and the wins themselves. So many riders were caught doping that it is impossible to believe that Armstrong was winning without doping.

Lenny is the Manager at one of the largest bike shops in Sydney, Australia. He as always found inspiration in Lance Armstrong and was devastated by this latest scandal that saw him stripped of his titles. Away from work, Lenny enjoys recreational cycling and spending time with his children.

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