Do you think "American Gladiators" is a true test of athleticism?

Question

The reason why "Gladiators" isn't a true test of athleticism is because, no matter how well one does in the 55 minutes of events leading up to the end of the show, it all comes down to that stupid obstacle course at the end. One minor slipup and a person who was winning all game suddenly loses. The other thing is, those Gladiators really aren't that good -- all hype and shaved armpits! They get knocked around by 180-pound men.

Answer 1

I well when it comes to everything BUT the eliminator, yes, I'd think it is a true test.

But when it's the eliminator, it always seems to come down to the stupid "travelator".

Some contenders won that should have just because the better person slipped up there.

Answer 2

No it is a test of endurence, will power, and determination.

Answer 3

Well for one, how good the person does throughout the show does have an affect on the that obstacle course, as they can amass a truly sizeable lead. (The further ahead in points you are, the longer your head start).

Do I think it is the end of be all of athleticism? Absolutely not. But it is somewhat entertaining.

Try to keep in mind, some of those Gladiators have some pretty legit backgrounds of bad assedry, it is just they have certain rules they have to live by.

But look up Toa's and Justice's bios and find out what they do. Also Titan is a pretty real deal body builder, no one can deny that dude is big as h**l.

(Militia I would stay away from... former g*y p**n star)

Also Hellga, and Crush as women are pretty bad ***, some of the other girls are fitness competetors which is pretty intense as well.

I am less of a fan of some of the others, but I do think that it does take some endurance, strength and agility on those events. Is it the TRUEST test? Naw, but it is challenging.

Even if you just run into someone who outweighs by 50 or 100lbs, that by itself is exhausting.

Not really sure what this has to do with Martial Arts.

Aside from Justice being a pro kickboxer (obviously he is not allowed to punch or kick anyone) and Gina Carano (aka Crush) is a pro MMA fighter. (Again, not able to punch, kick, or choke anyone...)

Answer 4

No. I think it's more about endurance and will. The better athlete doesn't always particularly win in that show. You can be losing in every event, win the Eliminator and wind up turning the tide and winning the competition.

Answer 5

There is some luck involved, but to win you must be a pretty good athlete, and very strong in order to not start from behind in the eliminator.  Look at last night, so far, this guy weighing in at 216 and 6'1" was the best match for the gladiators this season, he whooped wolf twice.  And had a very respectable time in the eliminator.  To do what he did, you need to be in top physical form, is it a true test, i don't know, but it's a very hard test.

Answer 6

these new generation gladiators vs the old school crew are night and day.

the old crew tried to seriously hurt the contenders. I used to love powerball back in the 90's. It was all out war.