10: LIVE Interview/Q&A-Elite Athletes vs. Special Operators w/ Olympian/CCT Mike Hazle, Pro MMA fighter/CCT Connor Matthews, USAF PJ/2-Sport NCAA Athlete Jason Sweet
May 20, 2020
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Elite athletes and special operators, Mike Hazle, Connor Matthews, and Jason Sweet, discuss their similarities, journey through training, overcoming physical challenges, transitioning careers, injuries in pipeline training, MMA fighting, passion for human performance, embracing discomfort for elite performance, and brotherhood dynamics in special operations.
Special operators face zero-fail missions with lives at stake, emphasizing unique mental and physical demands.
Resilience and determination are crucial in overcoming challenges and injuries during rigorous special operations training.
Training in special operations promotes mental fortitude and teamwork through intense one-man competency challenges.
Shift from individual competitiveness in elite athletics to team success focus in special operations highlights teamwork and accountability.
Contrasting approaches to social media between elite athletics and special operations emphasize humility and team goals over personal recognition.
Deep dives
Mike Hazel's Background and Transition from Athlete to Combat Controller
Mike Hazel, a former Olympian in javelin throwing, transitioned into combat control later in his life. With a background in professional athletics and a track record of competing at a high level internationally, Mike explained the differences between the support structure as an athlete and the endurance required as a special operator. He highlighted the unique mental and physical demands faced in combat scenarios, emphasizing the zero-fail mission approach where lives are at stake.
Connor Matthews' Journey from MMA Fighter to Combat Control
Conor Matthews originally pursued a career in mixed martial arts after playing hockey and transitioning to MMA. Inspired by movies like 'Active Valor' and fueled by his experiences during the Boston Marathon bombing, he sought to make a difference and joined the Air Force to become a combat controller. Despite facing challenges during training, including injuries like losing toenails due to frostbite, Conor persevered and completed his selection courses with determination and a commitment to overcome obstacles.
Overcoming Injuries and Adversities in Training
Both Mike Hazel and Conor Matthews navigated their training pipelines while dealing with various injuries. From ankle issues affecting Mike's running performance to Conor losing toenails due to frostbite during seer training, both individuals demonstrated resilience and a drive to push through physical setbacks. Their athletic backgrounds likely contributed to their ability to adapt, problem-solve, and maintain focus despite facing challenges throughout their rigorous training journeys.
Building Resilience through Physical and Mental Challenges
In the podcast episode, the speakers discuss the importance of resilience and adaptability gained through physical challenges like one-man competency training in the military. They highlight the intense nature of the training, where individuals are pushed to their limits, promoting mental fortitude and teamwork. The ability to overcome adversity and work together in challenging situations is emphasized.
Transitioning from Athletic Competitiveness to Special Operations
The speakers explore the difference between competitiveness in elite athletics and special operations. They note that in special operations, the focus shifts from individual achievement to team success. Special operators are described as highly competitive in various skills and attributes, emphasizing teamwork, selflessness, and accountability. The speakers stress the importance of maintaining a cooperative mindset and being a supportive teammate.
Navigating Social Media and Professional Identities
The podcast delves into the contrasting approaches to social media in elite athletics and special operations. While athletes may benefit from a strong social media presence, individuals in special operations are advised to maintain privacy and avoid self-promotion. The speakers emphasize the significance of humility, team camaraderie, and focusing on team goals over personal recognition in the special operations community.
Transitioning Training Focus
The speaker shares his experience transitioning from an endurance athlete to a power-trained athlete and emphasizes the challenge of changing directions in training. He highlights the importance of focusing on weaknesses, mentioning his shift to bodyweight calisthenics to improve. The example of running as a critical skill in military training is emphasized, pointing out the significance of targeted training for specific requirements.
Adapting to Special Operations Career
The discussion delves into the shift from basic training to becoming an operator, focusing on specialized skill development over physical prowess. The importance of self-improvement and building the body into an efficient machine is highlighted. It is noted that recovery and nutrition play a significant role, with an emphasis on understanding and prioritizing self-care and the impact of stress on performance.
Adapting to Stress and Developing Skills to Overcome Combat Situations
Being able to deal with stress and combat situations involves not always succumbing to fight-or-flight instincts but taking a step back to make informed decisions. Engaging in repetitive uncomfortable situations and maintaining composure under stress are crucial for overcoming challenges. Freezing in situations can offer a tactical pause for situational awareness, preventing hasty decisions that could have severe consequences.
Dealing with Injuries and Building Resilience in Extreme Environments
Managing injuries in both special operations and athletic settings requires resilience and mental fortitude. The importance of adapting to and ignoring uncomfortable conditions is emphasized to enhance performance. Maintaining physical fitness is key, alongside practices like foam rolling, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Emphasizing adaptability and finding silver linings in challenging situations can aid in overcoming injuries and thriving in extreme environments.
In this incredibly anticipated episode of SOCOM Athlete's podcast "Send Me," we bring on: Olympian & CCT (Combat Controller) Mike Hazle, UA Football/GCU Baseball Player & PJ (Pararescueman) Jason Sweet, and Pro MMA Fighter & CCT Connor Matthews. The three former Special Operators/Elite Athletes discuss all topics of mental & physical similarities/differences and team dynamics from personal experiences at the highest levels. Connor & Mike went through Basic Training & the CCT pipeline together, and recount some entertaining stories. They are then joined via LIVE video/audio feed by SOCOM Athlete students across the country to answer LIVE Q&A. Don't miss this exclusively valuable episode full of entertainment, stories, wisdom & advice for nearly 3 hours.
SOCOM Athlete is a special operations veteran-owned, nation-wide program & vast online community providing individuals of all ages in pursuit of various Special Operations career-fields a full-spectrum resource to maximize readiness via: nation-wide hosting of events, nation-wide online training groups, leadership skills & team communication development, workout programming, elite physical training/mentoring, career information/Q&A, and curriculum development.
We have many former students that have accomplished their goals, and are now serving as Special Operators in the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army Special Operations community. Will YOU be next? Contact us via email, social media, or in the comments below.
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