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Twenty years ago I became Blade

3/4/2015

28 Comments

 
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By Bev Carter
Twenty Years ago this month I was part of the highest debuting TV series to date in Australian TV – Channel 7’s Gladiators. I was one of the 6 Gladiators to launch Gladiators at the Logies.

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A common response I get when I tell people this is ‘wow’ and ‘that must have been an amazing time of your life.’ And yet it marked the start of some of my more humiliating and challenging experiences – starting with the show’s Logies launch.

Why would appearing on the awards show feel humiliating?


For Australians the Logies are the TV equivalent of the OSCARS – albeit with a much more naff name! 

Full of the usual red carpet glamour and high-end fashion, there are ‘after parties’ to mix with all ‘those famous people’ afterwards, and the whole bit. 

As one of the ‘chosen few’ (not all the Gladiators were picked to go to the Logies), this was a pretty big occasion, so to learn you were only allowed to wear a baggy black tracksuit with your Gladiator Name embroidered on it was kind of like being forced to go to your school formal in your gym class gear.


From here on we were regarded as a bit of an industry joke – where the other ‘talent’ had enough autonomy to get to choose what designer they were going to wear, we were made to wear a Gladiator brand tracksuit.



But it wasn’t so much about the clothes that hit me hard, it was realising that I had become a commodity – a product.

Beautiful Bev disappeared that night for nearly 3 years. Blade, or Bladie (by close Glad buddies), was now my name. It appeared on every article of merchandised clothing, including sports bras and shoes. To help us get used to our Gladiator names, everybody involved in the show, including riggers and set designers, were only to call us by our Gladiator name or be fined a small fee. We could never use our real names in press or public appearances.
Bev Carter Training
Rolling the clock back a few months, I was stretching in a gymnastic conditioning class, as I did twice a week for my sport aerobic preparation, when I heard my competitors/training buddies mention Gladiators. They had tried out and not got in. I felt this was weird, as they never mentioned it to me and this was the kind of thing that we would have naturally shared with each other during training.

A couple of weeks later my best friend said “hey Bev, let’s go and have some fun and try out! What do we have to lose? – it will be fun!”

That Saturday morning I was exhausted and reluctantly I went along, not really thinking anything of it. Yet as I observed the audition process I knew I could do this. I could see what was needed; I noticed that people were moved up or down the group as the audition went on and of course I clocked where the successful ones went – up to the front.

The audition process was called ‘9 minutes from hell’! Say no more: it was intense, painful (physically and emotionally) and highly competitive.



It was a series of continuous anaerobic body weight exercises that fatigued you to the max, depleted you of everything so that they could see your ‘mental strength, physical strength, your form, your attitude, how your body looked, how you performed under pressure’ etc.

People dropped out, vomited, struggled, yet Bev shone; it was like I had trained all my life for this moment. Finally during my abdominal series I was taken to the front line . . . that was the line that I knew. . . I had succeeded to the next stage of the auditioning process.

I finished the day by singing ‘Good King Wenceslas’ (Christmas carol) very badly – it was the only thing I could think of to sing at a moment’s notice when the judges put me on the spot. I then showed off my gymnastic prowess through Biranies (aerial cartwheels & tumbles): these would go on to become my signature moves on Gladiators.

After a couple of weeks waiting for the outcome of production meetings I was finally told “Bev, you have the job – you are one of 7 girls picked out of thousands….” 

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With my buddy Storm - 1st day at channel 7 studios
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We had only 2 weeks of training before filming began, which may sound a lot, yet as the games were so massive to assemble and erect, we probably only practised a couple of times before being filmed. 
Yet even in this discussion I was told that it was because of one man, the director who fought to have me on the show, “can you see ‘that something’ in her eyes, there is no one like her…” he had said.  I should have taken this as a compliment and yet all I could hear was that I was ‘not good enough’ – I entered Gladiators feeling that only one person wanted me there and that I had to prove myself to everyone else.

The next stop was ‘styling days’ where my hair was turned ‘pinky blonde’ & puffed up like a poodle. I didn’t have the confidence in those days to say “NO” . . . the boys had to be held down on the table for body waxing . . .  Fury’s hair went black, Flame’s went red. All the girls had to wear red ‘sexy’ lipstick and everyone seemed orangey brown with fake tan . . . it was the start of our transformation into Gladiators.

The biggest misconception is that we had lots of training and preparation.  There were some things we could prepare for like learning to rock climb, building our strength and speed and so on, but the games themselves were nothing you would find anywhere else.
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Often we had 2 runs – one a practice run and one a timed run to see who was the fastest or best at the game. The events you were the best at, fastest at or strongest at would be your games/events for the filming. This really made us all competitive with each other so that we could shine in a particular game. For the record, the challengers had more training than we did!

For me I was always going to be the ‘Hang Tough’ girl because I was the gymnast. 
The first set up of practice rings for Hang Tough were metal and my hands were blistered in no time. Yet being a gymnast for many years I remembered how to look after them so they healed quickly and I could deal with the pain. Thank goodness, due to all the blisters and complaints, they were finally replaced with wooden rings and we were provided with hand guards. 



Hang Tough was ‘the blue ribbon’ event and it was very popular. Everyone wanted to do this one, so there was already another undercurrent of competition within the Gladiators because of the fact that I would become the Hang Tough girl.

By the first week we were so physically sore we were falling like pins and they gave us a day off. We kept asking for massages and physio as some of us were international athletes and we knew what our bodies needed to survive competition and prevent injuries.  Yet the producers felt massage was just about ‘being pampered’ and ignored our requests . . . they had absolutely no idea of an athletic body's needs and requirements, but they had to take notice when we all crashed. 
At the end of the week they had to call in help, but only because they realised that we were so exhausted that without support for us, there would be no show! Finally a sports doctor, a physio and a massage therapist came. When they saw the state we were in they were shocked at what they had come across. Some of us purchased our ‘tens machine’ (for pain relief and anti-inflammatory) which would become an essential aid over the years of being a Gladiator. Often the scene behind the camera was Glads with ice packs, crutches or tens machines strapped to our bodies . . . the epitome of health and fitness – NOT!!
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Exhausted – hooked up to the Tens Machine (for anti-inflammatory and pain relief)
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Putting on a smile and covering up the bruises for the cameras
We were constantly told that being the ‘most popular Gladiator’ was where you would find success – more air time, more endorsements, more $, more everything. So during this training period and early filming I was observing everyone trying to be ‘the most popular Gladiator’ and how some were behaving around the producers etc. 

For me I felt the proof would be on our performance and seeing who the audience connected with most, yet as I found out that had nothing to do with it. It was the producers who picked who played what game, who got interviewed at the end of the event, how many times you would be seen on TV, who would be interviewed for what magazine, who was the Gladiator doll etc. Yes we had the pressure to win, yet it was all about ‘being popular’ and who they thought would be popular.

It wasn’t about being a great performer, being professional, being ‘easy to work with Bev, low maintenance person, reliable and trustworthy’. It didn’t take long to see ‘a squeaky wheel gets the oil’, the ‘arse licking’ that had to be done, all that ‘sucking up stuff’ – yuk! I remember lying in bed one night pondering on what was required for me to be successful. ‘Bev, you know what you have to do to get noticed, to be the most popular gladiator . . . Are you prepared to do that sort of stuff?’ I made a conscious decision that night to say ‘NO’ to that. To simply be the lovely me, to do the best I could every day and to sleep every night with myself feeling proud of my choices and say NO to the devil (as I called it). Needless to say I was never the ‘most popular’ but I was loved by the amazing crew and riggers.

The filming process in series 1 was horrific; the only food provided for us Gladiators was bananas & rice crackers. Our filming days went for over 12 hours, then we had to shop and prepare and cook. Those of you who know me know that this is not my forte, especially back then, so I feel to say thank you to my room-mate Stormie, who cooked and cared for me, and when possible she still does all these years later.

Meanwhile the TV crew all had catered food, breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. We were not allowed to eat there. Many channel 7 people tried to help but isn’t it ironic that the people doing the most physical job were almost entirely unsupported with food and medical help?
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One of the good memories:

One of the most special moments of Series 1 was when I was asked to meet some people in a meeting room: as I walked in I saw the riggers standing and smiling at me. Then they presented me with a gift that they had made me and shared some words of friendship . . . my gift was a wooden Blade they had made!

To be honest I have no idea how they would have found the time in such a crazy work schedule, which made this so incredibly special.

I was the only Gladiator that received a gift from these amazing men who had held my life in their hands every day throughout filming and practising. 

I trusted them with holding me by ropes metres above the ground, to break a fall to the ground, to check safety etc., so I always found a moment to acknowledge that, and each person working on set at the event.

These men were like angels: they made me smile, kept me safe, they cheered the loudest for me and in this moment of such love it made me feel so precious and special . . . Thank you lads, you made such a difference!  



More to tell next blog. . . 

Related Reading

Gladiators: Being Blade Part 2
Gladiators Part 3: How I changed my life
28 Comments
Ray Graham
8/4/2015 03:39:41 am

Hi Bev, a good emotive and honest read and I did not know of the degree of the "behind the scene" machinations. Thanks.

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J
8/4/2015 04:07:49 am

The female gladiators were the absolute idols of my childhood - and that of sporty girls around the nation! We lived and breathed gladiators, battled each other with pool noodles and even set up our own eliminator runS. We even had our own gladiator names, which we changed on a weekly basis. You were the first real fitness role models in the media we ever had. You were such a huge positive inspiration for us, both in strength and body image. I was tall and broad, do flame was my fav, but for my shorter more gymnastic friends, it was ALL about blade! Thank you for sharing- and thank you for inspiring the next generation of fit & healthy women. Every time I get up in front of my body attack class (my after-hours career) I have you to thank xoxo

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Sue Queenborough
8/4/2015 08:04:32 am

thankyou for sharing the truth behind the glamour of the Gladiators.

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Natasha Ragen
8/4/2015 09:52:51 am

This is an amazing account of your experience Bev. All of the things you had to go through to get on those bars each time no person should have to go through. Your photo was shocking to see and showed the devastation of it all. The photo at the very top of this page allows me to feel how far you've come since getting out of being 'blade'. Absolute cudos to you for your ability to stand true to who you are to the best of your ability with all of the intensity that was around you.

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Hannah Morden
8/4/2015 10:13:56 am

Hi Bev,
Thank you for sharing your story. I used to watch Galdiators and wonder how you were able to put yourselves through those courses - it's great to understand the suffering that goes on just to mould someone into something that gets watched. Wow - how amazing it is that you saw above that and honoured yourself and not the publicity

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Jasna Kim
8/4/2015 12:34:16 pm

Thank you Bev for this very exposing piece which not only exposes what producers did in that show but the illusion they create in so many.

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Donna Gianniotis
8/4/2015 12:56:18 pm

Thank you Bev for sharing your story and exposing what really was going on behind the scenes of Gladiators. I must admit that I was a fan in the 80's and watched it regularly. Knowing the amazing gorgeous woman that you are now who deeply self cares and nurtures it seems as though you have now found a different way of living that is self-loving and deeply honours your body and the light that you are.

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Leah Pash
8/4/2015 03:02:50 pm

Thanks Bev I remember watching this show & I used to be fascinated by the performance. Your honesty on your story of what went on behind the scenes is amazing, I would have never known the conditions you were subject to & the lack of support. I also love how you said NO to yourself & honored yourself that's beautiful. Thank you for sharing this part of your life here

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Anna McCormack
9/4/2015 05:26:29 am

Whoah Bev, what an intense schedule and experience. So great to see you today and how different you role. Back then you were a role model for many, but now you are a true role model!

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Susan Green
9/4/2015 05:43:49 am

I remember Gladiators well. It looked so tough with contestants trying to out do the Gladiators but I thought that must be for show - but the behind the scenes sounds even tougher!. Not sure how you managed to get through it but great to see you have come out of it and can share your story from where you are now..

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Jonathan Baldwin
9/4/2015 07:17:36 am

Wow Bev. This is such a powerful insight into the world of reality television production and sporting competition. Your clear and honest account absolutely shatters the allure and glamour that we are constantly sold about fame and celebrity. I can't wait for your next installment...

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Gary Price
9/4/2015 07:51:31 am

Wow Bev, what brave words, an honest assessment of your journey. No ego, no agenda, simply what it & you were all about!!!! Physical contests that were real, no retakes, no doubles just raw competition to be the best, no matter what you were feeling mentally or physically
No doubt there is a lot more to your athletic journey before Gladiators that gave you the mind/body strengths, techniques & toughness to succeed. What you endured on the show doesn't come from just training at a gym but no doubt years of skill & application in specific training that you could call on

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Marcia
9/4/2015 10:13:44 am

Hi Bev, thank you for sharing, it is such an incredible story you have of these times and I look forward to further blogs from you.

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Joseph Barker
10/4/2015 12:48:02 am

Thank you Bev, this is an amazing read. What I felt most of all, is that although most people have not featured on a TV show, the beliefs and way of being many of us have run with is exactly the same. I used to be a kind of gladiator in my own way, seeking to defeat others to attain popularity. I love that you said no to this, and returned to be beautiful Bev today.

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Leigh Matson
10/4/2015 08:52:13 am

What you've shared here Bev is crazy in the sense of what goes on behind the scenes of all this supposed grandness, glitz and glamour that such a show presents to the public. The stark difference between the producers doing it only for the 'fame and fortune' at the expense of others and the crew actually there to support the people they work with. It just goes to show how that 'fame and fortune' isn't the way to be in life but to actually be with the people first.

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Hannah Flanagan
10/4/2015 11:09:31 pm

Wow Bev - thank you so much for sharing. I felt incredibly sad reading about your experience, and how you and your fellow "glads" were treated as less than human for the sake of money and "entertainment". I wonder how many people would have continued to watch the show if they had seen what was actually going on behind the scenes?

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Bev Carter
18/4/2015 11:28:11 pm

Thank you all so much for your support & expression through these comments. I really look forward to sharing part 2 ....
With love
Bev

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Kylie Connors
23/4/2015 05:58:35 am

Wow Bev,

This is intense, and not too far off the cruelty and corruption of the Roman days!
It's not only amazing that you survived this, but, have gone on to become the super sweet and beautiful woman you are today.

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Jody Bladin
23/4/2015 07:12:09 am

Thank you for sharing...this definitely exposes what really happens behind the scenes. I love how you eventually honoured how you felt and said no.You are an inspiration to many.

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Gayle Cue link
23/4/2015 10:02:52 am

Hi Bev, I have never seen an episode of the Gladiators but I wanted to read your blog because I love to learn about people's real-life experiences. What I marvelled at in reading your story is how that caring, gentle person who spoke to the rigging crew with kindness could put herself through such physical abuse, for a job, for some money or for some fame. The things we do to wake ourselves up! I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment.

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Shirley-Ann Walters
23/4/2015 07:14:12 pm

Wow! thank you for sharing your story. It is a shocking story. Yet in my job in healthcare I have come to hear such stories unfortunately, and I just feel to say well done you for staying you through it all, and coming back to yourself. I recently heard a similar story about ballet that also stunned me. So sad to hear about the behind the scenes.

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Earl
27/4/2015 01:57:51 pm

Thanks for sharing Bev! I was lucky enough to be at a few filmings over the years and hold those memories dearly and thanks to YouTube the memories live on! Looking forward to part two. Do any of the other gladiators have blogs? Any plans for a reunion?

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Jonathan Myers link
21/12/2015 09:08:21 am

Hello, Beverly! It's Jonathan! Would you like to send me some autograph pictures of you as Blade the Australian Gladiator over to my home mailing address on delivery by mail, please? My home mailing address is 1758 West Brentwood Place in Anaheim, California USA 92804 & my name is Jonathan Myers & I'm a huge fan of yours! 😊

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Stephanie Stevenson
7/6/2016 03:52:34 pm

Wow....thank you for sharing this time of 'extreme sport' in your life Bev. Having enjoyed amazing sessions of "Stillness in Movement'" with you commencing early 2016, I am totally and utterly amazed at the strenuous and intense time you pushed your body through as Blade (I was never a gladiator fan).

The woman I know now is so completely the opposite end of the spectrum - the most super-sensitive, grace-full, intuitive, tender and deeply caring woman, who is offering powerful sessions of working with the body in a simple, profound way to return to the exquisite stillness and sacredness innate within our body. A whole-hearted-thank-you Bev Carter for sharing a very different way of exercise which re-connects deeply with the body through respect and love. You are a star simply for being the glorious and beautiful you and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with you in this way.

With Love and the most gi-normous 'hug a tree hug' learnt in the sessions!
Stephanie

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Beverly
7/6/2016 04:21:32 pm

What a gorgeous comment to read and feel :)
Yes its hard to imagine now - what was I thinking about back then - lol
I'm truly blessed to be doing the work that I do, to share a way, that the body truly knows. A way to move and exercise the body, one that feels amazingly gorgeous and heals the body - True Movement.

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Lorraine Harris
19/8/2016 06:30:53 pm

Amazing sharing about the reality of glamour as one of the stars in the Gladiator series. It reminds me of when I worked in television and was asked by the producer I worked for to cast for a couple of his series. What that meant was going through the book of potential actors and actresses and inviting them to come to the studio. What shook me about this process was the vulnerability of these people, the trying to impress, the insecurities of even well know 'stars'. I was hardly able to look at television for several years without seeing the reality behind the facade of the smiles. Your sharing is one that is so important, particularly for young girls to see, who desperately want to be famous. The way you teach is life-changing and tips upside down all pre-conceived ideas about exercise. Bev Carter gyms should be world-wide! At last I look forward to exercise classes,knowing they are honouring and gentle,listening to my body - not before time. Never too late! Thanks Bev, you are a true superstar!

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Sarah Lonergan
26/10/2016 08:34:32 pm

Hi Bev,
What was it like working with Kimberley Joseph and Aaron Pederson?

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John Discombe
29/7/2024 03:15:55 pm

I remember the young Bev Carter as a gymnast at the Fox Gym when I was the head coach at Rushmore. She was a caring, friendly and dedicated young lady. It is good to see you have reverted to type in later years. Remembered with much affection. John

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