Athlete: Robert Oberst
What was your motivation to compete in Strongman?
Competition growing up is very important. When I was a kid all we had was competition. Teaching children the glory of victory and even the pain in loss is important for more than just sports. We're also giving teaching them the thrill of chasing greatness. The feeling when your stomach is full of butterfly's and everything's on the line is one of the best parts of life.
How do you achieve balance between your sport and life?
How I achieve balance between sports and life - I don't. I want to be the best in the world so I dedicate time according to that goal. Nobody who's ever achieved greatness in anything has a true balance. The drive to succeed must consume you. Luckily for me, I have a huge family (10 siblings and 26 nieces and nephews) and we all live in the same small town so I still get to spend time with them but I couldn't possibly claim it's balanced.
What was your attitude towards competing growing up?
Competition growing up is very important. When I was a kid all we had was competition. Teaching children the glory of victory and even the pain in loss is important for more than just sports. We're also giving teaching them the thrill of chasing greatness. The feeling when your stomach is full of butterfly's and everything's on the line is one of the best parts of life.
What qualities do you respect in other athletes?
In strongman entertainment is huge. We're already a fringe sport with a limited fan base, the best thing any of us can do is be entertaining and memorable. Bringing more fans in is key to building this sport and leaving a true legacy
Advice to aspiring strongmen?
Advice I give to others thinking about competing -- stop thinking about it and do it!! People tell me all the time they want to compete but they have this excuse or that excuse. I hear I'm not "strong enough" or "ready enough" … all the time. It drives me crazy!! I competed 2 weeks after my very first training day and got my butt kicked but I learned so much and found my true live for the sport.
Why do you like The Sox Box socks?
I love Sox Box because its made up of good honest people trying to make the world a better place. People I just want to be around. That's almost impossible to find in today's business. I've been extremely picky about the people I represent to the point where my friends thought I was crazy turning down sponsorships but with Sox Box it was never a second thought.
In regard to the sport of Strongman, how much do you think entertainment matters?
In strongman entertainment is huge. We're already a fringe sport with a limited fan base, the best thing any of us can do is be entertaining and memorable. Bringing more fans in is key to building this sport and leaving a true legacy.
