Q&A with Adam Kuehl, Elite Athlete Grantee

Adam is a world-class discus thrower, born in Heidelberg, Germany. He currently lives and trains in Tucson, AZ. An Elite Athlete Grant recipient, Adam sat down with us to talk about his life on and off the field.

Foundation: Who inspired and provided guidance to you when you first started in track & field?

AK: When I first started in Middle school it was during the Atlanta Olympics. I’m pretty sure I saw a commercial for the discus, I’m assuming it was Tony Washington. I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times, very humble and great guy. However, my parents always supported me and encouraged me to try new things. They knew I had a strong arm, and when I mentioned discus and shot-put they knew I could do pretty well if I tried hard. The rest would be history! Back then though, I was a bit skinnier than I am now, as I ran the mile, 4x100, 4x400, shot-put and discus. In one meet I won both the mile and the discus throw. I don’t think I ran the mile after that, my PR is still from 8th grade, 5:48.

Foundation: If you weren't a discus thrower, what other event would you like to compete in?Have you ever tried a running event?

AK: Well, as stated before, definitely not any distance event. I don’t mind a sprint every now and then. It would either be the 200 or to throw the javelin. I love launching the football whenever possible, so I’m assuming I could chuck a javelin pretty far. In another life, maybe I would do that. I’m just a little too big right now!

Foundation: Is there an action hero or cartoon character that you would compare yourself to on the track and off the track? Who would play you in a movie?

AK: Anyone who knows me would laugh at this question. Without a doubt, Arnold Schwarzenegger. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. I drove out from Tucson to the OTC in Chula Vista, CA because I heard he was coming for a visit.  It was one of the more memorable moments in my life.

I wore my sleeveless “Governator” t-shirt while attending his speech to the athletes going to Beijing.  I also brought a poster with me, one of a series he did while competing in bodybuilding.  He is posing in the bathroom, and it’s titled “Visualization.” Long story short, he ends up signing it after his publicist sees me holding the poster. While holding the poster he asks my name, I respond, and ask him nicely to write a quote on the poster.

ARNOLD ("THE GOVERNATOR") GREETING ADAM AT CHULA VISTA

It now reads, “To Adam, Keep Pumping !! – Arnold Schwarzenegger” Needless to say, it is framed and hangs in my room.

I think Arnold would be the actor while I was lifting in the gym or throwing the discus. For any non-training moments it would have to be either Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham or Brett Favre (he wasn’t THAT bad in “Something about Mary”). I am a die-hard Packer fan, and even though Brett plays for the ugly Vikings, I still like him. I forgive you Brett!

Foundation: Twenty years from now at this very moment, you are standing where and doing what?

AK: I’d be 46, as a successful coach either Track or Strength coach for the USOC or a University, maybe even Overseas?  I will be working closely with Diabetic children and companies to help mentor and assist in any way to make living and training with diabetes easier (Hopefully by then we will have a cure!) I’ll most importantly be happily married with children (I’m praying 2 boys!) both well on their way to college. I’ll have a nice house that has a massive backyard with a scenic view of some sort.

Foundation: Do you have any training tips or advice for the recreational athlete?

AK: Listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. But when you do, be smart about it. If you’ve been going the same speed, pushing the same weight, you need a change. To know what you’re capable of, you have to push your body to its absolute limits!

Foundation: What are your favorite off-track activities and how do you relax away from competition?

AK: I love being outside and just enjoying the scenery, whether I am here in Tucson or in Chula Vista. Both places are blessed with some great views. Sometimes you just have to soak it in and be content with what you’ve received in life, and WHO you’ve received it from.

That, and as a thrower, I do not mind an occasional frosted mug of nice beer while listening to some good classic rock. It sounds simple, but my life now is really busy, non-stop all day 4:30am until around 7:00pm, so I cherish my time to relax!

Foundation: How hashaving diabetes been a motivating factor for you on and off the field?

AK: To be honest, I rarely even think about it while training. I have trained with the best, and I know what it takes. Diabetes is a challenge, so I make it 1st priority to make sure it is under control. Some days are rougher than others, but I try my best to stay consistent with my blood sugar levels.

I do wish I had more time available to help out younger diabetic athletes. I have some close friends in the diabetic community who have given me opportunities to talk to the Diabetic youth. Those days always develop memories that last for a lifetime. I have tried my hardest to get to where I am now, and I love encouraging others, diabetic or not, to chase their dreams no matter what the cost. If you want something bad enough, you will get it. Talent is needed, but with hard work and extreme determination, nothing is impossible. I try to live by that and share it with others.

Adam’s website: www.adamkuehldiscus.com.

Please contact Tom Jackovic, Executive Director, USATF Foundation at (412) 398-2484 for additional information about Elite Athlete support programs.

COURTNEY & ADAM

WITH THE KIDS

THE KUEHL FAMILY

IN HEIDELBERG, GERMANY