“Hey, check this out!” said the hubby, pointing at the TV. A handsome guy stood next to Hulk Hogan on the American Gladiators show. As he turned his head, I noticed a cochlear implant on his right ear.
I had never watched American Gladiator before, but I did cover the death of Shelley Beattie, the deaf American Gladitor who played Siren for several seasons. I settled on the couch to watch Brick Reilly, who works as a tree climber in New Jersey, compete against Toby, a father of two from Tennesee.
According to the American Gladiator website:
Brick Reilly is a 27-year-old tree climber from Springfield, New Jersey. He was born deaf and has always deemed athletics an important escape from the realities of life. Though Reilly recently had a cochlear implant which gave him the ability to hear, he never used his disability as an excuse in his life. He works as a mentor for deaf children in the New Jersey area.
During the introductions, it appeared that Brick was handling the conversation well– I wasn’t sure if he was looking at an interpreter in the background or not. Two teachers and a group of children from an oral deaf school appeared on screen to wish Brick good luck. Brick responded in sign: “In the end, I’m going to win!”
Despite a rough start, Brick pulled ahead and had a 12 and half second lead going into the Eliminator contest, an obstacle course that determines the final winner. Halfway through the obstacle course, Brick landed on his shoulder and appeared to be in tremendous pain. He finished the course ahead of Toby and was declared the winner.
All that work seems to be worth it, as Brick walked off with a new SUV and $100,000 cash. Correction– Brick won that episode and he’ll go on to compete for more. The finalist will win at the end of the season. Congrats to Brick–you rocked that episode!
Comments
6 responses to “Deaf American Gladiator Competitor Wins!”
Now why can’t I meant a guy like that!! LOL I got to see them on TV when they are just a drive away 🙂
Abbies last blog post..Children’s Cochlear Implant Books
Abbie, there’s a guy out there like that for you! Keep hunting! 🙂
Gee, I never watch American Gladiator, but certainly wish I saw that episode! Thanks for sharing that! And I agree… “congrats to you Brick!”
Amazingly enough, Brick actually doesn’t need an interpreter. The implant works wonders and his hearing is very impressive. Unfortunately, the season isn’t over so they haven’t declared any winners just yet. After each contender competes (there are 40) they take top times (from the eliminator) and I believe it is the top 12 contenders (6 male, 6 female) that move on to continue competing for the $100,000 and SUV!
Hi Karen
I’ve been reading your blog with interest and just wanted to let you know that I’ve linked to it from http://www.thedeafblog.co.uk – a UK site about deaf people and deaf issues. I hope you find it of interest to you. 🙂
Nicolas last blog post..Baby monitors for deaf people
I saw brick as well, and I cried the whole show. My son is 5 and has an implant. He was in bed the night it came on, so I let him watch the next day on the internet. When he saw Bricks implant his face lit up and said “him just like me”, I said “yeah he has an ear just like you.” then he asked me if Brick was Superman. ofcouse more tears start. The implane is wonderful, it’s nothing like telling you child you love them and know they can hear you! Brick we will be cheering for you. Even if your not in the top 6 or whatever you have already won in our book.