INTRODUCTION
Militia (Alex Castro) recently spoke to the Gladiators Zone during a break in the filming of the brand new NBC series. Here is what he had to say to our correspondents...
INTERVIEW
Q: "What inspired you to come to the American Gladiators Try Outs initially?"
Militia: "I was a fan of the old American Gladiators and I feel like I've been a Gladiator myself for my whole life you know, trying to survive. I just wanted to try out, I'm very physical and that's what I do for a living. Everything relating to my life is about training and staying healthy. My whole life has brought me to this point and it just felt so right for me to try out to become a Gladiator."
Q: "What did you have to do to become an American Gladiator?"
Militia: "There were so many things. It was very difficult and the competition for the role was extremely tough. We had many medical tests, along with strength tests. They included some running too and pull ups. It was very physical; hardcore physical tests."
Q: "What do you like about being an American Gladiator?"
Militia: "This is an honour to be a Gladiator. We've been chosen from over seven thousand people, who really competed hard before getting eliminated. So this is an honour to be here and to be a Gladiator."
Q: "What's your sporting background?"
Militia: "I am a cirque performer. I'm an acrobat. I've served in the Marine Core. I spent four years in the Marines. I went voluntarily in the Marines, because I was rescued from the Ocean by the Marines Boat when I left Cuba - I owe them my life."
Q: "How do you feel your background with the Cirque and the Marines has helped you?"
Militia: "The discipline and training has physically prepared me for this. I also have excellent balance. The Marines taught me how to be competitive and I train hard to win every time."
Q: "So what did you do with the Cirque du Soleil?"
Militia: "My speciality is balancing. I have toured both America and Europe. I was in Las Vegas doing different cirque shows. I have done two European tours; the first tour was 47 shows and the second was 68. I spent two years in Europe on each tour and really loved Europe. I've been to London three times. I have lots of friends in London and took the train from Paris, where I used to live for a while."
Q: "Do you have a favourite event yet?"
Militia: "My favourite event is Hang Tough, but I am injured and couldn't really hang on. I was trying, because I really want to do it. Hang Tough is my speciality. My other speciality is rock climbing, so I love The Wall."
Q: "When did you pick up your injury?"
Militia: "I injured myself during Earthquake. That is an awesome event, but I injured my elbow during the fight. I'm going to be fine though."
Q: "Are there any events that you don't like?"
Militia: "Games that I don't like ? Well, they are just all so much fun. I like all of them. It is good to different things. If I have to choose one, then it would be Pyramid."
Q: "How do you think American Gladiators will change your life?"
Militia: "I feel like I was blessed to serve this country in the marines and now I feel like I am living an American Dream. I feel like NBC and the Gladiators Family have given me the chance of a lifetime to change my life. I think that this will completely change my life and change my kids' life. I am very sure it will. We haven't really started yet, but just look at the reaction in this arena already. I am so grateful of all the support."
Q: "Do you like the name 'Militia'?"
Militia: "I like it. I've been in the marines and I feel that Militia is to do with my background. I want to carry on with this name and I want to make the name proud. I want to represent that name and make it stand out for what it means. Militia means an army of one and I want to do that name some justice."
Q: "Your son has been watching you in the arena, how does he feel about his dad being an American Gladiator?"
Militia: "He loves it. He is such a fan of Gladiators now. He has been watching all the old Gladiators re-runs and he really was my inspiration to do this. He told me “Dad – you can do this”. He pushed me to become a Gladiator. I am small guy and thought that Gladiators was just for big body builders. My son told me that I could do it. He is eleven now and is loving being at Gladiators arena."
Q: "How do you feel about being a role model for children?"
Militia: "I love it. I love to work with children and I want to help children to think about their futures. I'm a single dad; I'm my son's mum and dad in one and I do the mother and father roles. I've been helping a lot of kids at his school. I want to help kids who don't think that they have a chance. I want to show them that they can change their lives."
Q: "What is your message for your new fans"
Militia: "My message to all the fans of this show is simply to never give up. I have been through a lot in my life and when I escaped Cuba, I ended up in the ocean. I had left with five of my friends and we were in the water for five days, before being rescued. I could have lost my life and sadly some of my friends did. But whilst in the water, I never gave up hope and I am here today to tell you to never give up. So my message to everyone is just never give up!"
