Kind Words from an American Gladiator

In response to a recent review of GLADIATOR, by Dan "Nitro" Clark, I received the following email:

Thanks for the kind words about the book. You totally got it.

Peace be with you,

Dan Nitro Clark

It's always nice to receive appreciation, especially saying "you totally got it" from an author regarding his or her book. You can learn more about Mr. Clark and his book at his website.

Good appreciating,

Plants and Books

American Gladiators

I just finished reading GLADIATOR, by Dan Clark (also known to you people of the nineties as Nitro from American Gladiators) and it was a very compelling read. While reading about his twenty year struggle with steroids I was still able to remember with fond nostalgia one of the greatest television shows ever created: American Gladiators.

To further this walk down memory lane I stumbled across some classic American Gladiator moments, with some narration by Dan Clark himself.

This first clip is of Nitro pushing a guy off the block after a joust match. It has become especially memorable because it is discussed during GLADIATOR, and should always relate to the divisive character struggling with steroids. Nitro wasn't mad about losing the match; he was mad because the Contender kept on swinging after Nitro had lost.

Who can deny the "It's always personal."

I remember watching this Eliminator on TV. One of the most exciting moments on national television during the nineties.

I love how the Gladiators look angry that either of the Contenders won.

Finally, the return of Nitro. He briefly discusses the reasons why he and several other gladiators left the show (they wanted a standard cut of all the merchandising and were basically told to show up under the current agreement or you're fired). In GLADIATOR, Dan Clark discusses in an emotional moment visiting several kids in the hospital and this small, weak child telling him that he is the biggest American Gladiator fan; and how he was sad that Nitro was no longer on the show. The kid told him that when Nitro ran, he ran. When Nitro jumped, he jumped.

There are some great clips out there. All of these came from the American Gladiators website, but I also watched several episodes on YouTube. I watched the very first episode, and by today's standards, the quality is almost laughable; but, the idea and the charisma is absolutely timeless.

Good reminiscing,

Plants and Books

Review: Gladiator by Dan Clark

Title: Gladiator
Author: Dan Clark
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Scribner
ISBN: 1416597328

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Heroes Get Remember; but Legends Never Die (5 stars) - a book review

We all remember the early nineties for various reasons. One reason could be one of the finest television shows ever syndicated: American Gladiators. One of the biggest stars of the show, Nitro (or Dan Clark), has finally written a memoir on his life, which chronicles his public rise and his personal fall, leaving nothing untouched including the bad and the ugly, and then the road to redemption.

This not a book about American Gladiators. This is a book about a single American Gladiator: Dan Clark. He tells a compelling story of a divided family and the loss of his brother in a tragic accident. From there out the story is laid out, one tragedy after another; most of which are self induced by an obsession with image and success; but mostly with steroids.

Twenty years of rampid steroid abuse is chronicled through GLADIATOR. Clark tells his story in such a wonderful way. It is not overly dark and disgusting, but close enough to get an appreciative understanding of the terrible consequences and side effects of steroids. Clark weaves together the account of his life as a high school football player, Italian Superbowl champion, pro football player (four games, I think), struggling actor, and of course, an American Gladiator. Throughout his struggles, the one constant thing in his life void of positive emotion is steroids. Clark glosses over stories of 'roid rage with friends, surgeries, smuggling steroids, death, sexual escapades, and other relevant topics that were present throughout his twenty year binge on steroids. While the language is rough at times, the story is told in a manner that is not over the top; yet completely engaging.

Nitro was every one's hero during the prime time days of American Gladiators; but maybe for all the wrong reasons. After reading this book, Nitro should be a legend for honestly telling his story about steroid abuse.

Other recommendations about steroids:

• Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams; and,
• Faust's Gold: Inside the East German Doping Machine by Steven Ungerleider and Bill Bradley.

Good reading,

Plants and Books