INTRODUCTION
Venom (Beth Horn) recently spoke to the Gladiators Zone during a break in the filming of the brand new NBC series. Here is what she had to say to our correspondents...
INTERVIEW
Q: "What were you doing before applying for the show?"
Venom: "I have had my own personal training business in Chicago for the past twelve years. I love my job because I work with amazing clients and love helping people feel good about themselves inside and out. I am constantly promoting my book, "The Natural Way." I also travel quite a bit due to photo shoots, trade shows, fit camps, etc and also teach at the Professional Fitness Institute in Las Vegas."
Q: "What is your sporting background and how did it prepare you for the show?"
Venom: "I have always been very athletic, but my passion is gymnastics. I have been a gymnast since the age of seven. I am also a professional fitness competitor and won the National Fitness Championships in 2000, where I turned pro. My training is specific to American Gladiator events, in that it is hardcore anaerobic training. I was born to be a Gladiator!!"
Q: "What is your proudest competitive achievement to date?"
Venom: "I have to say my proudest achievement is being cast as Venom on NBC's American Gladiators!! Of course, none of this would have been possible unless I would have become the National Fitness Champion in 2000, published my book and married my amazing husband who supports me in everything."
Q: "Your book “The Natural Way” has a strong emphasis on healthy eating as well as exercise. What does your typical diet consist of and how strict are you with food?"
Venom: "My typical day consists 5-6 healthy meals per day. I live on protein, healthy carbs such as oatmeal and brown rice and plenty of good fats such as omega 3 & 6 oils. I really do not deny myself of anything if I want it. Once a week we have thin crust pizza and I have dessert 1-2 times a week! When you eat healthy most of the time and workout, then you can eat whatever you want within reason. Honestly, I think is more about portion control and more in your mind about how you feel and think about your body."
Q: "How has your mindset helped you in achieving your goals?"
Venom: "A positive mindset is crucial in my life and sets the tone in everything I do. I am such an optimist and I feel I create my goals in my mind and on paper and then allow them to manifest. Before I became the National Fitness Champion, I had this written down on notecards: ‘I am the National Fitness Champion’. I looked at that notecard every single day until I believed it. Then I actually broke my foot in two places twelve weeks before the last major championship of the year. But I kept that notecard and believed in myself, did what I could to get ready and it came true. I am a happy person because of my outlook on life and I am truly grateful for everything in my life."
Q: "Did you watch the original American Gladiators show as a kid?"
Venom: "Oh God yeah! So it’s a dream come true for me and I think it’s going to be huge, it’s definitely a cool thing. I looked up to the Gladiators. Dan Clarke (Nitro) actually helped coach us and gave us some good tips. He’s awesome."
Q: "How did your Gladiator name come about?"
Venom: "It was a collaborative effort coming up with my name, Venom. It’s perfect for me. Just like a snake, I’m sweet, friendly and feminine on the outside, which is my personality, but I can strike at any given moment! We worked on our characters a lot beforehand – journaling, writing ideas to make our names our own."
Q: "How do you feel about the events?"
Venom: "I love The Wall. That was really fun. I feel really focussed and confident going up, but it’s very tricky because if you grab and there’s no rock there, there’s nowhere to go. There’s one path up the wall. They’re still tweaking the events. Hang Tough’s a blast. I love the swinging, perfect for a gymnast. I really have a nice long swing and I feel comfortable with that. The Joust is the most challenging but I love it. It’s hardcore, but I love the challenge. It’s a crazy event. And I love the Gauntlet for the teamwork."
Q: "How have you coped with injuries over the years and do you worry about the possibility of being injured when in the arena?"
Venom: "I have had both of my knees reconstructed- one in high school and one in college, both gymnastics injuries. Now I have 'bionic' knees and they are stronger than ever. When I am competing, I do not worry about anything & I do not think about anything negative. I stay focused, positive and 100% in the zone."
Q: "Who do you take your inspiration from?"
Venom: "Definitely my husband, who’s my biggest supporter. He’s my best friend and he’s beside himself with this. And my coach, Bob Dixon who’s been with me for ten years. He’s my mentor and this is his dream too. Two months after I won the National Fitness Championship 2000, he had a stroke, which was devastating, but now he’s better than ever. When I got the call to come to LA he started crying, which really touched me."
Q: "How does it feel being a role model for kids?"
Venom: "I love it. It’s a true honour. I’m so proud to be a Gladiator. People will look up to me and I want to present that role model image in who I am, in representing fitness, health, caring for your body and loving who you are, inside and out. Being able to say ‘I can do anything’ and that’s how I feel now that I’m an American Gladiator – and I want kids – and adults – to have that same attitude. Believe in any goal you have and to truly go for it."
Q: "How would you sum up the spirit of American Gladiators?"
Venom: "It’s all about good sportsmanship, being in your character and being a good role model to everyone, representing fitness and health. All of the Gladiators are amazing people and we all get along great! Everyone has such strong personalities, similar goals and we have a blast performing and competing together. I can’t imagine a better team to work with or a better company to work for."
Q: "What message have you got for the fans?"
Venom: "Take care of your body and your mind. It’s all connected, it’s a holistic approach. Health is everything – health and happiness, that’s what it’s all about! Be grateful for everything you are, everything you have and everyone in your life. Live life to the fullest and enjoy every single moment as best you can."
