‘What’s your excuse?’ has become a platitude that is often used when describing the outstanding achievements of those who face great adversity, and prevail under the most trying of circumstances. After all, if one is able attain excellence despite great odds there is nothing to stop others from doing likewise. There really are no excuses. My friend Nino Savona – a 42-year-old bodybuilder who has competed several times and today inspires many people to break their own personal barriers – is one such man who truly lives by the expression “what’s your excuse?” I hope the following interview with Nino inspires all who read it to aim higher and become greater. David R. Title: No Excuses: An Interview Bodybuilding Champion With Nino Savona. Author: David Robson Q: Ni Nino. Can you provide a little background on your disability diagnoses? What disability do you have and how did it affect you as a child? I have what is known as cerebral palsy, or CP. This has prevented the muscles in my legs from growing properly. As far as affecting my childhood, it limited me in being able to actively participate in sporting events like football and other physical sports. Q: How does your disability affect you today? As far as my disability affecting me today, for the most part I will try almost anything to keep my mind and spirit strong; for example, weight training my entire body, including my legs, on a daily basis helps me to do this. Q: You have mentioned becoming overweight due to factors associated with your disability. At what stage in your life did you find yourself in your worst shape and what steps did you take to become the champion you are today? Yes, I found myself in my worst shape. At this time my doctors told me that I would never be able on walk on my own without the use of crutches. That happened in my teen years and all I did was to sit around and eat junk food. Then, once I got out of high school, I took a long look in the mirror and I knew I had to make some serious changes in my life. So that’s when I decided to start weight training. Q: Did your disability ever cause you to become depressed? If so, how were you able to work through this state of mind? Absolutely, I often became very depressed because of my disability; I had a hard time accepting it! The only way I was able to work through it was through weight training every day - that’s what has kept me strong, both mentally and physically. Q: You are known for working to overcome your disability and for succeeding in the face of adversity. To what do you attribute such great mental strength? Did you have to work hard to develop your current mindset? Well, I have to honestly say that my success in overcoming adversity in my life today is only because of my strong belief in God. If it wasn’t for him keeping me mentally strong in whatever hardship I face, I certainly wouldn’t have been able accomplish all that I have been able to do in my life thus far. Q: Looking back, was there ever a point in your life where you decided to no longer accept your physical reality; where you no longer considered yourself disabled in the conventional sense of the word? Absolutely. After I competed in my first bodybuilding show in the open class I no longer placed limitations on myself or made any excuses whatsoever. I knew that I could do anything; I just had to believe in myself. Q: Do you today consider yourself disabled? What are your views on the notion of disability and those who let their disability stand in the way of goal achievement? No. I honestly don’t consider myself disabled today. I truly believe everyone in today’s world has a certain disability, whether it is visible, or not. God does not discriminate! Q: What training movements are most difficult for you to perform and how have you modified these to make them easier for you? I will try almost any exercise when I train. I don’t believe in the word ‘can’t’. For instance, I will perform my squats on the Smith Machine, instead of the power rack, to help keep my balance. Q: What are your current training goals? My current training goals are to continue strengthening my overall body on a consist basis. No Excuses! Q: What sporting accomplishment are you most proud of and why? I have to say all of my bodybuilding contests. Because I was told by many that it was impossible for me to ever be successful at it, and I was crazy to even think that I could be in open classes. Well I guess I proved them all wrong, thanks to God! Q: Why were you able to become a champion while others with disabilities (similar or even less severe than yours) continue to make excuses for not becoming more? Well, again I have to say it’s because of my strong belief in God for his help in keeping me mentally strong when I have faced the many hardships and obstacles in my life. Q: Who in your life has inspired you to become who you are today? Well there is absolutely no doubt my inspiration has been God. Because if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I have been able to do so far in my life today! Q: What final message would you like to give to those who are struggling to come to terms with their disability? I have to say for those who are struggling to come to terms with their disability: begin to believe in yourself and that you can accomplish anything in your life today. If you just try your best without making excuses regarding your disability. And David, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity and a chance to inspire others so they can also do what I have been able to do. Nino can be contacted on Facebook: facebook/nino.savona
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 03:21:37 +0000