In this engaging conversation, Ben Wright and Parry Mahtouris are joined by Paul Tesoriero to share their experiences from a recent trip to Egypt for the World Parapowerlifting Championships. They discuss the chaos of driving in Egypt, the challenges of accessibility, and the unique food experiences they encountered. The importance of team dynamics and community support in sports is highlighted, along with insights into breathing techniques that can enhance performance. The conversation is filled with humour and cultural observations, making it a rich exploration of their journey. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of independence, teamwork, and personal growth within the context of powerlifting. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in competitions, highlighting the importance of teammate support and the joy of training. The discussion also emphasises the significance of mindset shifts, setting clear goals, and finding enjoyment in the process to enhance performance and overall well-being. As they reflect on their journeys, they recognise the value of community and its positive impact on their growth as athletes.Chapters00:00 Introduction and the Origin of 'Sexy Fingers'05:51 Experiencing Chaos on Egyptian Roads12:02 Transportation Challenges and Experiences14:52 Adventures in New Cairo18:00 Nostalgic Stories from Past Competitions20:58 Mentorship and Team Dynamics24:03 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Training26:32 The Importance of Learning from Others27:31 Breathing Techniques and Visualisation29:55 Understanding Breathing Mechanics31:46 The Role of Haptic Feedback in Lifting34:48 Life Lessons from Sports and Competition36:54 Culinary Experiences in Cairo44:23 Cairo's Unique Environment and Safety Concerns49:18 Highlights from the Trip51:20 Navigating Personal Challenges and Stubbornness52:17 The Importance of Support and Team Dynamics54:48 Highlights of Teamwork and Shared Experiences56:27 Reflections on Growth and Identity in Powerlifting01:01:03 The Evolution of Powerlifting Standards and Community01:04:36 Cultural Insights from International Competitions01:08:04 Debriefing Competition Experiences and Mindset Shifts01:15:31 Reconnecting with the Joy of Lifting01:24:15 Technical Difficulties and Team Dynamics01:25:24 Reflections on Comp Day Performance01:29:30 Mental Resilience and Focus in Competition01:31:06 Training Insights and Positive Reinforcement01:33:29 Building Confidence and Community Support01:34:03 Personal Growth and Life Changes01:37:36 Looking Ahead: Goals and Progression01:39:11 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training01:49:05 Final Thoughts and Future AspirationsTakeawaysBen's brother refers to him as 'sexy fingers' due to his knack for breaking tools.The Egyptian roads are chaotic, with little regard for traffic rules.Driving in Egypt involves navigating through a mix of vehicles, including tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carriages.The team experienced challenges with transportation accessibility during their trip.Food options in Cairo were limited and often disappointing, with tough meats and bland dishes.The camaraderie among the team members was a highlight of the trip.Breathing techniques were discussed as crucial for performance in powerlifting.Ben found it rewarding to be part of a larger team after years of competing alone.The importance of community support in sports was emphasised throughout the conversation.Team support significantly enhances the training experience.Finding joy in the process is crucial for success.Clear goals help maintain focus and reduce anxiety.Confidence can be rebuilt through positive experiences.Community plays a vital role in personal growth and motivation.Enjoying training leads to better performance outcomes.Mindset shifts can transform competition experiences.Progress is not just about numbers, but also about personal growth.

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