7: Physical Fitness Video
Transcript:
Chapter 7 Video
MASON (voice-over): This is the story of a kid who discovered his passion. The story of a kid who found a way to rise to the top without actually having to reach that far. This is my story. The story of a competitor.
MASON: Growing up, I was never really into sports. I mean, my parents forced me to try soccer and flag football, but there was way too much running involved. And who wants to sweat that much? When I got into middle school, though, they insisted I get involved—join a club or a sport or something. I needed to find something to play that played to my strengths. Something that didn’t require too much actual effort. And then I met Coach Terry.
SID N. TERRY: I knew from the moment I saw him texting on his phone in class that Mason was gifted. He had speed and flexibility. But he also had the capability of sitting perfectly still and practically doing nothing for long periods of time. You only see this type of talent once in a lifetime. I knew I had to recruit him for the team.
WYATT: When he first joined, I was like, no way. That kid can’t wrestle. Look at him. But when we faced off in his first practice match, he had me pinned in less than ten seconds. I knew he was for real then.
SID N. TERRY: The thing about Mason is he’s dedicated.
SID N. TERRY (voice-over): Even when he’s not at practice, I know he’s working hard. Strengthening his muscles. Improving his reflexes. Shortening his reaction time.
SID N. TERRY: He easily spends three or four hours a day conditioning, and it makes him a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps, the greatest wrestler the school has ever seen.
Starting bell to begin match
MASON and WYATT: One, two, three, four. I declare a thumb war. Five, six, seven, eight. Try to keep your thumb straight.
Bell to indicate end of match
MASON Thumbs up
MASON: Look, I’ll be honest. I didn’t even know our school offered thumb wrestling. But, I guess they needed something for kids like me who can’t seem to find the energy to even get up the stairs.
SID N. TERRY: Thumb wrestling burns off five, maybe ten calories? You’re better off riding your bike around the block. And I know that if he keeps this up, Mason is probably going to die of a heart attack at age 42. But you know what? At least he’s going to go out a champion.
MASON (voice-over): I don’t know what the future holds or how far my thumb can take me. All I know is that real exercise is hard and that all those hours of playing video games have finally paid off. Maybe, just maybe, one day I’ll try to run a mile without passing out or attempt to do a sit up. But it won’t be tomorrow. I’ve got my whole life ahead of me.
MASON Thumbs up