#sports mouthguards sydney

[moanaw521]

Protect Your Smile: The Importance Of Sports Mouthguards In Sydney

In the fast-paced world of sports, protecting your smile is just as important as mastering your game. Sports mouthguards offer a crucial layer of defense against dental injuries and trauma, providing athletes in Sydney with peace of mind and confidence on the field. In this blog, let’s explore the significance of sports mouthguards and why they are a must-have accessory for athletes of all levels in Sydney.

Preventing Dental Injuries: 

Impact Absorption: Sports mouthguards act as a shock absorber, dispersing and absorbing the force of impact during contact sports or high-intensity activities. By cushioning the teeth and surrounding structures, mouthguards help reduce the risk of fractures, dislocations, and other dental injuries.

Protection Against Trauma: Accidental collisions, falls, and blows to the face are common occurrences in sports. A properly fitted mouthguard provides a protective barrier against these traumatic events, minimising the risk of broken teeth, lacerations to the lips and gums, and other oral injuries.

Preserving Oral Health: 

Preventing Tooth Fractures and Loss: Dental injuries sustained during sports can result in tooth fractures, avulsions (complete tooth loss), or damage to dental restorations such as crowns or bridges. A sports mouthguard acts as a barrier, reducing the likelihood of such injuries and preserving the natural structure of the teeth.

Preventing Soft Tissue Injuries: In addition to protecting the teeth, mouthguards also help prevent soft tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue. By covering the sharp edges of the teeth and cushioning the soft tissues against impact, mouthguards reduce the risk of lacerations, bruises, and other oral wounds.

Customised Comfort and Fit: 

Custom-Made Design: Custom-fitted sports mouthguards are designed to conform to the unique shape and contours of an athlete's mouth, providing a comfortable and secure fit. Unlike generic mouthguards available over the counter, custom-made mouthguards offer superior retention and stability during physical activity.

Unrestricted Breathing and Speech: Properly fitted mouthguards allow athletes to breathe and communicate effectively during sports, without hindering speech or causing discomfort. This ensures optimal performance and concentration on the field, without distractions from ill-fitting or bulky mouthguards.

Compliance with Safety Regulations: 

Mandatory Requirements: Many sports organisations and governing bodies mandate the use of mouthguards for athletes participating in contact sports or activities with a high risk of dental injuries. Compliance with these safety regulations is essential for player safety and injury prevention.

Insurance Coverage: Some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of custom-fitted sports mouthguards, particularly for individuals participating in organised sports leagues or competitions. Athletes should check with their insurance providers to determine the extent of coverage and any associated requirements.

Professional Dental Care in Sydney: 

Expert Consultation and Fitting: Athletes in Sydney have access to expert dental care providers who specialise in sports dentistry and the fabrication of custom mouthguards. These professionals assess individual risk factors, recommend appropriate mouthguard designs, and ensure proper fitting for optimal protection.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Dental clinics in Sydney are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology to deliver high-quality sports mouthguards with precision and efficiency. From digital impressions to custom fabrication techniques, athletes can expect personalised care and attention to detail.

Conclusion: 

Sports mouthguards in Sydney are essential accessories for athletes, providing vital protection against dental injuries and trauma during sports and physical activities. With their ability to prevent tooth fractures, preserve oral health, and ensure customised comfort and fit, mouthguards offer peace of mind and confidence on the field. Whether mandated by sports regulations or recommended for individual safety, investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard is a proactive step towards safeguarding your smile and enjoying sports without the fear of dental injuries.

#sports mouthguards sydney

[emergencydentist-sydney]

Dental emergencies might be unforeseen, but with Emergency Dentist Sydney, solutions are always at hand.

From protective mouthguards for sports enthusiasts to emergency extractions, we ensure your oral health remains uncompromised.

We believe in acting fast and efficiently to protect your beautiful smile. Need assistance? We’re just one call away.

Call us on [phone] or Visit: https://www.emergencydentistsydneycity.com.au/

#emergencydentistsydneycity #dentalemergencies #oralhealth #emergencydentistsydney

[officialgritty]

How I Would Humble NHL Players

An essay written by bigboigritty. 

I would humble hockey players the only way I know how to, by sending them to Australia. Let’s suppose that they have decided to hold the All Star game over here (forget about it’s usual date) (forget that some players I have listed below might not be invited) (and while you're at it, please forget that Australia’s rinks are Not Good).

I think that they would suffer but in an entertaining way so it’s fine. 

First of all, their biggest concern is getting sunburnt. It would effect all of their dumb asses but I’m particularly worried about Pierre-Luc Dubois and Mitch Marner. Boys are practically translucent. Vince Dunn would be fine, he’d probably wear a shirt most of the time which is a very smart decision. 

You may wonder why I didn’t mention Nolan Patrick because I am a certified slut for him, well I don't think he would have a problem. He would spend most of the time inside and when he joins the others, I think his Virgo ass would reapply sunscreen. Maybe he would burn slightly but I don't think it'd be enough to make him uncomfortable. 

Another thing that I think they will gain from this experience is a higher pain tolerance. Now you’re probably thinking, “Zoe they are NHL players so they can handle pain.” Wrong.

Real pain is running barefoot on cement at theme parks while you race to get to the next ride. Also getting into the car and having to avoid touching every piece of metal to not get branded like a cow. Or better yet, when the heat gets so bad that there’s a black out because everyone has their air conditioning turned on.

Don’t get me wrong, I know that other countries have scary animals but I would pay to see them panic over ours. Crocodiles here can grow up to 5.2 metres / 17 feet. We have a box jellyfish season where it’s advised to avoid swimming or wear wetsuits for coverage. Funnel web spiders can survive underwater for hours by trapping air bubbles around their skin. We have several of the worlds deadliest snakes present across the country. 

Listen, I don't want anyone to get injured but the constant fear that they would have when doing anything would be enough to make me happy.

My biggest question is who would survive in the shady areas, who would survive the eshays?

Under no circumstances can you look them in the eyes or cross their path. They are not to be feared individually but in groups caution is advised. I think the players would attempt to assert dominance and that is simply not an option. You are better off to ignore the eshay.

Nolan would have no issues here if im being honest. He is big and I don't think they’d find it worth it to fuck with him. But you know who they would target? Matthew Tkachuk. “Where are you going pretty boy?” “Oi braa did we hurt your feelings ya pussy cunt?” They would make fun of his hair in particular. 

Travis Konecny would be an eshay. I don't think I need to make further comment. (So would Louis Tomlinson but I am not a 1D account and I will continue to repeat that until it’s true.)

I would also give them a few iconic tasks to get the true Australian experience. Activities for the ‘vacation’ include triathlon events, beach flags, bush walking and climbing the harbour bridge. They could attend a cricket match but they tend to like golf so unfortunately they would probably enjoy this :(

AFL is an extremely popular sport here and I think they would loose their shit when they learn the rules of this game. No protective equipment is used other than mouthguards, that's it. That’s all you get. And jumping onto other players for leverage is encouraged. I would thoroughly enjoy the fights that would break out because of this.

Another task would be to use a map to make their way to a servo for a slurpee. The catch is that they will be required to pass through multiple alleyways. Also, the season is Spring, it’s swooping season mother fuckers. Let’s see how brave you are when birds chase you down the block. Personally I don’t think any of them would pass this test, maybe McDavid because the birds may not be able to detect a heartbeat.

Australian food would disgust them, I just know it. Things that they would need to try are a Bunnings sausage sanga, fairy bread, lamingtons, baked beans on toast, Milo and Vegemite. Because I’m me I would give them no butter with their Vegemite. 

An after thought I had was money so I’m editing this to include it. Everything here is EXPENSIVE so they would need to learn how to budget. Upon doing research, Canadians would be fine but the Americans will be mad.

1000 CAD = 1019 AUD

1000 USD = 1297 AUD

Another after thought was the fact that they won’t be able to drive (or at least drive well) here. We drive on the left and not the right, same goes for walking paths too. I can sense a lot of them bumping into people.

Where I think players would live based on vibes alone:

Carter Hart and Vince Dunn: North Shore Beaches, NSW. Daddy’s money. Carter probably did Nippers whereas Vince was a skater boy. 

Travis Konecny: Darwin, NT. Would 100% live there and enjoy it. He would try to conduct crocodile tours but gets assigned to feeding the baby crocs and doing shows for little kids. 

Tyson Barrie: Perisher, NSW. One of the only ski resorts we have to offer, major friendly mountain man energy.

Nolan Patrick: Byron Bay, NSW. @antoineroussel enlightened me, steering away from my original thought of Katoomba, NSW. Byron Bay is a magnet for hippies and links rainforest to the ocean. Chris Hemsworth and his family also live there.

William Nylander: Perth, WA. I don’t know much about Perth other than they wouldn’t shut up about partying while the other states had to quarantine. For some reason, I also associate Perth with Tik Tok. 

Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid: Melbourne CBD, VIC. These two would live in the same apartment building in the city, Connor one level above Sidney. It’s the most boring looking block of them all and Crosby would send in complaints to the landlord about McDavid pacing during the night.

Tyler Seguin: Surfers Paradise, QLD. Party central, not many people are actually from this area and he would be sure to tell absolutely everyone that he was. I also think he would get a Meter Maid tattoo, specifically on his leg. Has definitely slept on the beach before because he couldn’t find his way home.

Jamie Benn: Hobart, TAS. Tasmania is usually forgotten about. Another one with mountain man energy except he is more creepy than friendly.

Mitch Marner: Fitzroy, VIC. @antoineroussel is responsible for this one too. Hipster central, makes you question how the hell someone so young can have so much money. Would chug $45 wine and not blink an eye.

(honourable mentions include = Sammy Blais: Hobart, Tas. Once again no comment on Tasmania. TJ Oshie: Cairns, QLD. Would do reef tours. Haydn Fleury: Western Sydney, NSW. Haydn would 100% own a ute or a white holden commodore and you can’t tell me otherwise. Roman Josi: Adelaide, SA. Small town history teacher vibes.)

I have attached a handy map for those who may need it.

In conclusion, the NHL should send their players over here to teach them some manners and while they’re at it, management should bring themselves too. Nolan Patrick could pass as an Australian if he built up a tan. (So does Nylander in this picture but we won’t talk about that.) Come over anytime baby, I’m free. 

Glossary

Servo - A service station, also known as a petrol or gas station. Example: 7/11

Theme park - An amusement park. Can be said in reference to both normal parks and water parks and usually means those in QLD. Example: Six Flags

Swooping season - August to October in Australia. When birds attack and chase humans and / or pets for getting close to their babies. Magpies are notoriously bad for this. 

Bunnings sausage sanga - A cheap feed / meal found at the front of a hardware and gardening store called Bunnings. Made up of white bread, sausage, onion and your choice of sauce.

Fairy bread - White bread with margarine and topped with 100s and 1000s / sprinkles. 

Meter Maids - Women who work along the beach dressed in gold bikinis. They top up parking meters to save tourists from getting fined and will often stop for photos. 

Nippers - Surf lifesaving programs carried out for children between 5 and 14. 

Ute - A pick up truck.

Eshay - A person who partakes in drug use, graffiti, listens to EDM and targets victims in groups. Below is the typical style of an eshay. 

Tagging a few friends so this doesn’t completely flop but feel free to ignore if it isn't your thing. I won’t be offended lmao

@scheifefe @ifiwasshawnmendesidslapmyself @d00dlebob @bowenbyram @kempe @prettyboyroope @quintonsbyfield @travisgermy @pitoftrash @kspitehockey @ballsakic @canadianheaters @bricksatlandyswindow @powerblais @brokeninsidebutnobodyknows @jamiedrysdales

#also feel free to send asks if you want more ‘where are players from?’ #I’d give a better explanation in single posts #none of this is serious if you couldn’t tell #its all out of love #nhl #hockey #travis konecny #tyson barrie #nolan patrick #sidney crosby #also enjoy the magpie picture #connor mcdavid #william nylander #mitch marner #vince dunn #tyler seguin #jamie benn #carter hart #I refuse to read this again so ignore any mistakes #I feel like I had a fever dream writing this so I only hope you feel the same after reading it #I’m scared of birds can you tell? #z does other stuff

[il-coniglio-nero]

Do Dental Veneers Mess Up Your Teeth?

If you're wondering if porcelain veneers will make your teeth look bad, the answer is no. Find out how experts can help you achieve a stunning smile right now. Check out the Best Carpentry Sydney and at  Best Carpentry Sydney today.

What exactly are veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin "shells" made of porcelain or composite resin materials.

These "shells" are permanently bonded to the front of imperfect teeth, resembling natural enamel in appearance and feel. It's difficult to tell the difference; even the most observant acquaintance will miss the fact that you're wearing a cover.

This procedure can be used on a single tooth, a group of teeth, or all of your teeth.

And there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution!

Veneers are custom-made for each patient, taking into account their facial features, desired appearance, and the characteristics of their surrounding teeth (particularly important if any of these remain visible).

Do veneers provide protection for your teeth? This is part of the allure, but it doesn't mean plaque or tartar aren't a concern.

Do veneers mess up your natural teeth?

Porcelain veneers do not harm your natural teeth in any way! In fact, they're made to fit over your teeth and bring out their natural beauty. Understanding how veneers work is the first step in ensuring that they do not harm or ruin your natural teeth. When you meet with one of our cosmetic dentists for porcelain veneers, we have your veneers custom-designed to fit your exact smile. Whether you are in for one veneer or for your whole smile, your new veneers are designed and fabricated for a custom, perfect fit. Veneers are attached to your natural teeth with a special material that hardens under a certain type of light. After they are bonded to your teeth, they are shaped and polished by our cosmetic dentist until they are absolutely perfect!

So now that we've discussed how porcelain veneers work, let's talk about how they affect your teeth. First off, the material that is used to bond them to your teeth is not harmful to your natural teeth. This means that having the veneers attached does not ruin or hurt your teeth. Secondly, porcelain veneers are not made of enamel like the front of your natural teeth. This actually gives you some benefits. The main advantage is that they do not stain as your normal teeth would. Bring on the coffee and dark liquids, you can't stain your new porcelain veneers! They are also incredibly hard, making them more resistant to damage than your natural teeth. All that goes to say is that no, veneers do not ruin your real teeth! In fact, they actually have the advantage over natural teeth in terms of resistance to damage or staining.

How to clean veneers and protect your teeth

The best way to protect your teeth is to take care of your veneers.

This means brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing on a regular basis. The Australian Dental Association has this handy guide.

It's fine to use a manual toothbrush, but electric toothbrushes tend to give better access to hard-to-reach areas.

Other tips:

Grinding your teeth can damage veneers, leaving you more susceptible to decay. Your dentist can speak to you about alternative treatment options or give you a splint or retainer to wear at night.

Avoid hard, tough or sticky foods (such as raw vegetables, nuts and brittle lollies). Reduce consumption of foods and beverages that could stain teeth (berries, coffee, wine and tomatoes).

If you consume any products that could leave a stain, be sure to rinse your mouth well.

Don't use your teeth as a tool to open bottles, chew on ice, bite your nails and do similar activities.

Visit your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning session that removes any built-up tartar.

Never play contact sports without wearing a mouthguard.

[pinnaclemartialartsinsydney]

Staying Safe During Martial Arts Training | Pinnacle Martial Arts in Marrickville Inner West and Chester Hill in South West Sydney

Martial Arts styles are a type of combat sports technique that people are engaged in to be fit and lead a healthier lifestyle. But, despite being a combat sport, martial arts in Marrickville training features one of the lowest risks of injuries to the practitioners. It is not true to say that martial arts training doesn’t result in injuries as a moment’s lack of concentration is all that is enough for a mishap to happen. In martial arts, mostly during competitions, injuries are caused when the opponent is not careful or has not had training in martial arts the best way.

There are plenty of martial arts styles practised and revered in this world. Though countries like China, Japan and Korea are attributed to be the nations that gave birth to the purest forms of martial arts, countries like Russia, Thailand & Brazil and so on have their unqiue martial arts styles. At the martial arts Marrickville training centre, we follow a comprehensive and dynamic martial arts form that incorporates the best of traditional forms like Taekwondo, Korean Karate, Kung Fu, Self-discipline and so on. Training at Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy, the adults and kids martial arts in Marrickville training centre, we make sure that training in the traditional forms is designed to cater to the specific needs of today’s generation. With us, you could be the best in all respects and moreover achieve your pinnacle. The common injuries befalling a martial artist during training or competing would include skin damage like cuts and bruises, injury to ligaments, injury to muscle or tendon, knee injuries, dislocations and fractures, especially of the hand, finger, foot and toe, and injuries caused to any part of the body by sheer repetition of movement. So, being an ardent martial arts practitioner, how to stay safe from these injuries while training? Let us take a look at the steps that can be adopted: Identify the best adults and kids martial arts Marrickville training academy. You can sit in classes of academies that let you sit in and it will help you get a good idea of the demands of each discipline. Those who are new to martial arts should enrol to a reputed institution to learn the appropriate skills and technique. Each martial arts styles has its own set of rules. Obey them all. If you feel that your technique needs improvement, seek advice from your martial arts instructor. The best martial arts training academy would have world-class instructors. While sparring, wear appropriate protective equipment like helmets and mouthguards. Train till you have good hand-to-eye coordination. This way you can use your peripheral vision and be less likely to get hit. Training in martial arts the best way can help you be safe and train with ease. For the best training, enrol with Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy. With world-class and established centres in Marrickville and Chester Hill, we provide training all around Sydney. Enrol with us! Pinnacle Martial Arts in Marrickville Inner West Sydney is ideal for Character Development, Physical Development and proven Martial Arts Self Defence. Character Development: Confidence, Life Skills, Discipline, Self-Control & Focus Physical Development: Fitness, Motor Skills, Strength, Agility & Power Pinnacle Martial Arts is a top combination of Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Karate, Kickboxing Methods and Martial Arts Self Defence for kids, teens, adults and families. Contact us on 0410 686 585 Book your Free Class: https://pinnaclemartialarts.com.au/book-free-martial-arts-classes/ Website: pinnaclemartialarts.com.au Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/sydneypinnaclema Instagram: www.instagram.com/pinnaclemartialartssydney The Pinnacle Martial Arts Schools are located in 23 Yabsley Ave, Marrickville, Inner West Sydney Chester Hill:12 Banool St, Chester Hill South West Sydney. Read the full article

#kidsmartialartsinmarrickville #kidsmartialartsmarrickville #MartialArtsInMarrickville #MartialArtsMarrickville #PinnacleMartialArtsinMarrickville

[junker-town]

My mom ruined my dunking career before it ever really began

Personal sporting tragedy is a childhood rite of passage. The missed goal, the woefully botched shot that would have won the game, stepping out of bounds on a wide-open field on what would have been a touchdown. Mine was a little different. Just a 10-year-old boy, with a dunk contest dream and a mom’s mistake that ruined it all.

There aren’t adequate words to describe how amazing my mom is. She basically raised me single-handed after my parents got divorced when I was seven, and did her best to support my hobbies — even when it was a huge inconvenience. Twice a week we’d take two buses so I could play in the ��JAAM Youth Basketball League” in Sydney, Australia. This is all a preamble and disclaimer to ensure y’all know my mom is amazing before I go on to detail how she left me crying outside a gym when I was 10.

The 1995 season was a good one for a young James Dator. I was placed on the Sonics (every team was named after an NBA equivalent), I got Shawn Kemp’s number (which was awesome) and perhaps most importantly I hit this sweet spot of growth where I was taller and heftier than most other kids in the league. For one brief year I was my own Charles Barkley — grabbing boards and manhandling kids, a brief blip in my existence before my Italian genes kicked in and stunted me at my current height.

I remember a specific game against the Knicks. They had a player named Alex Gold, who was just the worst. He looked like a spitting image of Ivan Drago from Rocky IV and an attitude to match. To make matters worse he was the only kid in the league to wear a mouthguard while playing — which even at the age of 10 I took as a pretentious affront. His parents, who my fleeting memory remembers as “bulldog-esque,” would bark instructions from the bleachers and trash talk other kids. In this game they kept yelling “Go after the big one,” and “He’s slow.”

This little brat elbowed me hard in the paint at the end of the first half and immediately I wanted my revenge. All game I waited for the perfect moment, and there it was — he went down to one knee for a brief second to tie his shoe. In ‘95 my go-to move was a layup where I led with the knee. Most of the time kids would be scared of getting kneed, so they’d get out of the way or move enough that I never got hit with charging. When I saw Gold on one knee in the key I knew what had to happen. I called for the ball and immediately charged into the lane with my signature layup, my knee connected underneath his nose like I was in Ong Bak and it exploded like a blood piñata in a nauseating crunch of cartilage. It was the grossest thing I’ve ever done, and still one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. That probably says a lot.

My knee connected underneath his nose like I was in Ong Bak and it exploded like a blood piñata in a nauseating crunch of cartilage.

That whole “destroying Alex Gold’s nose with my knee” was more for catharsis that this particular story, but all-in-all it meant I was good. Really good. I averaged 16 points and 8 boards a game in 20 minute halves, got selected to the All-Star team and most importantly, I was named as one of the five kids who would take part in a dunk contest.

When you’re 10 years old in 1995 there is nothing cooler in sports than the dunk contest. Isiah Rider threw down the between the legs dunk in ‘94, Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins is fresh in your mind — and you don’t even care that your dunk contest is taking place on a seven-foot rim with a size 3 basketball. You’re a damn superstar waiting to happen.

I had six weeks to prepare for the dunk contest, and how does a kid living in an apartment prepare? With the Nerf hoop attached to the back of your door. Every single day after school I’d practice dunks. I was distracted during dinner thinking up creative ways to throw it down. I would get so worked up and sweaty practicing in my tiny bedroom that I spent my allowance on stocking the fridge with Gatorade, because I thought that would help me.

After one week I had a small, but solid repertoire of Kemp-like power moves. Then I got more creative, throwing the ball from behind my back, bouncing it off the backboard, putting my hand over my eyes — you name it. Sure, my moves probably looked like the dancing hippos from Fantasia, but I was convinced I was a friggin’ superstar.

On Fridays my mom would let me rent a tape from the video store. For six weeks every single rental was a basketball mix tape — Michael Jordan’s Playground was my favorite. I wanted to emulate all MJ’s moves in preparation for the dunk contest and by the time the six weeks were up I was absolutely ready.

The contest took place at 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning, right before the All-Star game at noon. I remember waking up abnormally early, even for a cartoon-loving 10-year-old. I began harassing my mom around 6:30 a.m., asking if we could leave.

“Jamie, sweetheart. It only takes 35 minutes to get to Randwick. We’ll leave at 7:45 and you’ll have plenty of time.”

It was sweet of her to even give up that much sleep time on a Sunday. I patiently waited, lacing and re-lacing my sneakers for maximum comfort and precision tightness. I didn’t practice that morning, but sat in a chair palming the tiny ball and practicing windmills at the breakfast table.

The first bus was five minutes late, no big deal -- we were good. The second bus was another 10 minutes late. I was sweating it so badly. Now I’d only have, like, 20 minutes to get ready. I just wanted us to get there — to be in the zone, relax and be prepared for the contest.

You totally thought we were going to leave late, or the bus would break down, didn’t you? Nah, it’s way worse than that.

We pull up to the bus stop at 8:37, that’s what my digital watch said. Everything was okay, we made it. You totally thought we were going to leave late, or the bus would break down, didn’t you? Nah, it’s way worse than that.

Mom and I walk up to the gym and there’s a ton of noise coming out of it. A bizarre amount for how early it was. We open the door and I see a kid from the Warriors throwing down a two-handed reverse. Friggin’ amateur.

“These better be his warmup dunks,” I think to myself.

I walk over to the official to check in, and before I get to him he says, “James, mate — where were you?” Confused I look at the clock in the gym: it says 9:42. My heart starts pounding, I’m confused. I look back to mom and her eyes are wide with terror.

It was Daylight Savings, and she didn’t turn the clocks forward.

All the practice for nothing. All my dunks were pointless. That Gatorade ... I blew all my money on Gatorade! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?! I clenched my jaw as tightly as I could while mom came over to see how I was. I just barked out “I’m okay,” because I was at that point where I knew if I said anything else I’d burst into tears.

I quickly told mom I needed to go to the bathroom and went outside and immediately broke down in tears. I was absolutely crushed that I’d never get to compete in the dunk contest, perhaps never again. I knew that being away for too long would make it weird, but my face was covered in tears. I splashed some water on my face and returned to the gym.

I arrived just in time to see the winner receive his trophy. It was effing Alex Gold.