We are fortunate to live in a day and age, where thanks to social media, we can follow our favorite athletes in their daily lives. Facebook and Instagram are able to transcend languages, religion, and (most) political ideologies. As long as someone has access to the internet, they are a click away from posting a photo or video. For example, we can watch every training video that Ilya Ilyin will post on Instagram; or every photo of her dog that Tatiana Kashirina will post on Facebook.
However, have you ever wondered what top athletes from yesterday would share with their fans if social media existed in the past?
If so, then you are in luck. Over the last several months, Dimas, a documentary, has been released in parts on YouTube, covering the early life and career of Pyrros Dimas. Almost every weightlifting fan in the world knows about the incredible career of Dimas, which includes three Olympic Gold Medals, four Olympic medals, and six World Championships. And many know that starting in 2017, he will be employed as the Technical Director of USA Weightlifting (USAW) and tasked with maximizing world team performances at international competitions. However, very few people know about his childhood, his upbringing, or even his favorite meals. These are the stories that are attempted to be told in Dimas the documentary.
Dimas is the brainchild of three American weightlifting aficionados: Ms. Debbie Millet, Dr. David Boffa, and Dr. Jonas Westbrook. The latter two are affectionately known as “The Two Doctors” and volunteer their time as weightlifting commentators at national level events for USAW. Millet was the meet director of the 2014 USA National Championships and the 2016 USA Olympic Trials, both in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In March of this year, the three aficionados flew to Athens, the capital of Greece. They proceeded to travel deep into rural Greece, where along with a film crew they spent several days interviewing and filming the legend himself. In this documentary, they cover topics such as his child hood, his training, all of his accomplishments, and so much more. Along the way, there are guest appearances by current weightlifting stars and fantastic stories you will not find anywhere else.
Dimas: Part 1
Dimas: Part 2
Dimas: Part 3
Dimas: Part 4
Dimas: Part 5
At the end of October, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Dr. Boffa and Dr. Westbrook in Natchez, Mississippi. They informed me that there are plans for future documentaries, however they were tight lipped at this point on the subject matter.
What weightlifting stars of yesterday would you like to know more about? Leave a comment below and we will pass them along to our friends over at the two doctors.
Editors note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein are the authors and don't necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.
Featured image courtesy of Dr. David Boffa
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