S6E7: A Shot at Glory: Eric Favors and the Pursuit of Olympic Dreams

Irish Stew Podcast

In this episode, cohosts John and Martin dive into the world of Olympic shot putting with their guest, Eric Favors, an athlete representing Ireland.
Born and raised in Rockland County, New York, with a rich Irish heritage, Eric shares his journey from trying various sports to specializing in track and field. He discusses the intricacies of shot put, a sport that demands not just brute strength but finesse, technique, and a fine balance between power and agility. Eric also touches on the importance of understanding the technical aspects of shot put, his training regimen, diet, and the mental fortitude needed for competing at the highest levels.
The conversation covers his personal background, experiences growing up in an Irish-American enclave, the evolution of his career, the challenges of maintaining an athletic lifestyle, and his aspirations for the Olympics. Additionally, Eric and the hosts explore the avenues of dealing with the pressures of professional sports, the rigorous drug testing protocols in athletics, and how social media and YouTube play a role in connecting with fans and showcasing the athlete's journey. The episode concludes with Eric's future plans, both within and outside of his athletic career.
Links

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter/X

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. What People Don't Get About the Shot Put (00:02:50)

3. From Rockland County to Representing Ireland (00:04:28)

4. Choosing the Shot Put Over Football (00:06:39)

5. Becoming an Irish Athlete: The Story of Dual Citizenship (00:09:33)

6. First Impressions and Competitions in Ireland (00:11:22)

7. Overcoming Setbacks: Eric's Philosophy on Challenges (00:14:37)

8. Shot Putters: Shapes and Sizes (00:16:10)

9. The "In-Circle" Experience (00:17:39)

10. Strength Training Insights: Bench Press and Snatches (00:19:48)

11. Footwork, Agility and Speed (00:22:29)

12. Fueling the Shot Putter Body (00:24:45)

13. The Role of YouTube in Eric's Life (00:26:25)

14. Navigating the Professional Circuit (00:29:38)

15. The Rigorous World of Drug Testing in Athletics (00:33:59)

16. The Status of Shot Putting in Track and Field (00:36:30)

17. Breaking the Irish Record in Kazakhstan (00:39:05)

18. What a Successful Olympic Year Looks Like (00:40:44)

19. Thoughts for the Future (00:42:13)

20. Seamus Plug (00:43:42)

21. John and Martin Recap (00:46:58)

22. Credits (00:48:23)