John Stankevitch Professional Rugby Player Interview

Introduction

The following is an interview with former professional Rugby League player John Stankevitch, who played over 150 Super League games with St Helens and Widnes Vikings before being forced to retire through a shoulder and neck injury aged just 25, in 2005. Prior to retirement, John won every team honour in the game including the Super League title (2000, 2002), World Club Challenge (2001) and Challenge Cup (2001) as well as representing Great Britain U21's and as a Full International.

John now works closely with schools and prisons to deliver projects and workshops based around motivation, goal setting, determination and other important attributes linked to achievement. He is also Sporting Director at Championship 1 side Rochdale Hornets and has led the team to the Play Offs in the last 2 seasons against the odds. He also has numerous media commitments including writing for Regional and National press on subjects specific to sports training methods, with a particular focus on Elite Performance Rugby League training.

His other major role is as an Ambassador for Corporate Telecommunications Specialist Whish Communications, who also have a heavy presence in Elite Sport. To read about John's current and on going projects and to read his regular blog, visit his website at www.johnstankevitch.com.

1. What has been the best advice that you have received?

The person that you can rely on most in life is yourself

2. How important is nutrition to your success and performance?

Nutrition played a major part in my progression through to becoming a Professional Rugby League player. Training on a daily basis at such a high intensity required me to adhere to a strict nutrition programme, which would help optimise my activity, and assist with recovery.

3. Please could you outline what you ate during a normal training day and match day?

Breakfast - Eggs (poached, scrambled or omelette) with Wholemeal Toast, without butter/margarine. Water.

Mid Morning - Protein drink with milk, with Banana. Water

Lunch - Pasta/Potatoes, with a meat, generally Chicken. I was not a 'big eater' of vegetables and took Multi Vitamins and specific supplements to replace. I would have the occasional carrots. Water

Mid afternoon Protein drink

Dinner - As Lunch

As an athlete, I didn't usually eat after 7pm.

Also, it is worth noting that my diet in general was very basic, with very little difference from one day to the next. This strict routine was a major part of my mental preparation.

On matchday, the intake would be almost identical to a 'normal day' although I would adjust the times of eating to suit my pre match build up. I would also eat more Carbohydrates, usually pasta on matchday, from as early as breakfast time.

4. Could you outline what a normal day of training would be and what you did?

Training as a professional Rugby League player is so varied, and incorporates sessions of speed, agility, catch and pass, hand/eye coordination, conditioning, strength training, as well as actual team preparation.

On a normal day, we would have training twice, with a heavy session in the am, a mixture of conditioning and skills, and in the afternoon, likely a weights session, specifically tailored to power movements.

5. What advice would you give to anybody wanting to get fit and improve their health?

Firstly you have to WANT to get fit and healthy for the right reasons, and that means for yourself. If you are doing it for somebody else, you will not succeed. Once you have made the decision to get fit and healthy, set yourself small achievable goals, ones that you KNOW are achievable. This will keep you motivated and goal focussed. I would also advise to have in mind an individual that you would like to replicate, maybe look like physically, and this creates a focus, and when things get tough, which they inevitably will, you can even carry a small photograph of that person.

6. Do you set goals/objectives to aim for and if so, how eg. Write them down, think about them etc..

I do set goals. I like to use visualisation techniques, which include lots of focussed thinking. I visualise things that have gone well in the past, and understand the methods that I use to achieve that past success. I then set my goals down on paper and pin them to my notice board in my office at home. I also create reminders in my mobile phone, which can be quite annoying, when they are set off by alarm. It makes me want to achieve them more, so that I am accountable to my phone!

7. From your experience, for instance pre-season, have you got any tips on how you stay motivated when the training gets tough and challenging?

I believe that you cannot be motivated, or stay motivated if you do not know what your motivation actually is. Firstly, it’s important to recognise exactly why you are doing something. Whether the motivation is intrinsic or extrinsic, it’s vital that you have something in the back of your mind.

Motivation is all mental, and the ability to stay motivated must be driven by something specific that you can continually refer to, whether through thoughts or pictures.

8. What has been the highlight of your career?

I have so many memories from my time as a player that it would be impossible to pick out just one. I won numerous honours before my forced retirement. My biggest achievement personally would have to be signing for St Helens at the age of 16, a dream of mine since the age of 9. It was this change in direction that made me what I am today.

I would like to say a big thank you to John for taking the time and effort to answer these questions and provide an insight into his professional lifestyle, it is much appreciated. I am sure it will provide a useful insight into the life of a professional athlete and help you to pick up some advice and tips that you can use to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

“Together, we’ll achieve your goals”

Matt Swierzynski

E: matt@mattswaz.co.uk

M: 07936654876

W: www.mattswaz.co.uk