International Sports Hall of Fame Induction 2017

Written by Dani & Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Dr. Bob Goldman

Background:

The International Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that honors the world's greatest athletes.  This annual event is held every year at the Arnold Fitness Expo in Columbus, OH.  This post covers the March 2017 ceremony in Columbus Ohio.

Impression:

2017's theme centered around overcoming the adversity of life to become something more.  The inductees spoke of how, despite forces in their lives that never believed in them, thought they would fail, be nothing, were not smart enough...used that emotional conflict and made it a driving force to success.

I feel this was an extremely brave and powerful message that we all need to understand and appreciate.  These athletes, icons of strength and power, were once told they were worthless or not good enough.  The are proof positive that despite all the roadblocks in life - success is there for you.  It is not something that will be given to you, though.  It must be worked for, putting in hours, days and even years to get the success that you want.

You know them today because they refused to be told that they couldn't.  Instead, they proved that they could and their "could" became stories worth knowing and repeating.

Jim Larimer

Thomas Rosandich 

Bill Kazmier

Apolo Ohno

Lou Ferrigno

Herschel Walker

Arnold Sports Festival Columbus Celebrating 30 Years

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Celebrating 30 years of sports excellence, the Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus, OH March 1-4, 2018.   75 sports will be represented and new sports/exhibits will be introduced.


Impression:
You know we here at VisualOhio love the Arnold Sports Festival.  We have been attending the event long before we covered it professionally.  We've seen the event grow and change over time, just as we've seen different sports and athletes change over time.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has created a tradition, a welcoming atmosphere for the world of sports.  This annual, world wide event is something to behold.  A mecca of sorts, that we feel everyone should attend at least once in their life, if for no other reason to see the world in a different way.  A way that shows that varying sports and athletes from all kinds of backgrounds have a place.

Here is a sampling of some of our favorite images from over the years.  Please enjoy them and know that we love what we do and we love bringing you coverage of the event every year.

The 30th year will bring even more sports, hitting the 75 mark - including axe throwing and body painting being added this year.

The Women of the Arnold Sport Festival 2017

Written by Dani & Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
The Arnold Sports Festival in its 28th year is back at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.  Over 20,000 athletes compete in 70 sports.  To cheer them on, over 200,000 people attend the event.

Impression:
Female athletes play a large role in the Arnold Sports Festival.   This was enhanced this year with the inclusion of a Strong Woman category.

Strong Woman
The top 4 Strong Woman competitors,  Brittany Diamond, Rebecca Roberts Jenny Todd, and Sumer Johnson, so impressed the Strongman Committee that they all received their Pro cards!

These women showed their power by lifting 165+lb kegs over their heads, running with 400+lb yokes, and 400+lb farmers carry.

Fierce competition among the athletes was shown, but as in all Strongman/Strongwoman events, there is comradery too, allowing the athletes to root for their competitors.

Figure/Physique Competition
Pushing their bodies to the limit, these women show their amazing musculature and posing routines. Strenuous training and impeccable diet for months on end bring these women to the pinnacle of their form.  Dedication to the sport is apparent and they leave it all out there on the stage.  Hoping for that first place finish.

Pole Championship Series
Combining strength training, dance and acrobatics this event is very underrated.  Not only do you get a show of physical strength, but the performances also have theme to them and bring along with them an emotional component.

Fitness
High energy dance, gymnastics and performance are all showcase the physical prowess of the athletes here.

Dance
Over at the Ohio Fairgrounds, dance companies come and perform their complicated and high energy routines.

Arnold 2016 - Powerlifting and Strongman Coverage

Written/Photo/Video:

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Arnold Fitness Expo 2016 coverage of clean and jerk, squat and 2nd round of Strongman Classic.

Impression:
The video will show you more than I can ever say.  I'll just repeat what I say every year.  These athletes are moving some serious weight and it is such the sight to behold.  They never disappoint.  Enjoy!

Arnold 2016 - Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Written: Andrew Livelsberger

Photography/Video:  Andrew Livelsberger

Background:  
The International Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that honors the world's greatest athletes.  This annual event is held every year at the Arnold Fitness Expo in Columbus, OH.

Impression:
As it has been every year, the star studded inductee list is nothing short of fabulous.  To be inducted, you cannot just be or have been a great athlete, but you have to give back to the community in some way.

These athletes do a great job in explaining their story, so I will just let you enjoy the video that is provided for you.

• Master of Ceremonies:  Dr. Robert Goldman
• Speakers:  Jim Lorimer/Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Inductees:
  Kurt Angle
  Ronnie Coleman
  Annamaria Demars
  Royce Gracie
  Johnny Bench

Various images from the induction: