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Seven Summits Story

Every since I was a kid I had a fascination with Mt Everest. When I was young I was sick a lot and read every biography my library had-my favorites were of explorers like Sir Edmund Hillary and George Mallory. I fell in love with Everest.

After 14 years of American football and 17 years pro wrestling-which included a broken back, four knee surgeries and two herniated discs-I assumed my dream would never happen.

However, after a year or more being retired my back had started to get better and on a trip to Machu Picchu I climbed a small mountain behind the Lost City and despite having all kinds of difficulty making it, I decided to pursue my dream again of climbing Everest and the Seven Summits.

I met Annabella Bond during this time, she was the fastest woman to climb the Seven Summits and had raised a ton of money for charity in doing so. I started putting together my dream of raising money for the kids I work with in Bermuda and also to show them what I always tell them that you can do anything you want in life if you are willing to work and plan.

My first mountain is Mt Elbrus in Russia in June of 2012. Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and the first real mountain I have ever attempted.

I have been training for months now and have lost over 30 pounds, down to just below 250. I feel like I will be ready, but will not know till I get on mountain.