Gene Bergeron
Inspiration of the Year 2010
Interviewed by: Angela Courduff
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WP: Gene was our Inspirational Feature of the Month in April 2010 and now has won our Inspiration of the Year 2010. This is the interview in which won him that title. Enjoy!
As a child, Gene loved all sports. Pro Wrestling and Martial Arts were his favorites. In High school, he began lifting weights to get bigger. Following Bodybuilding, he quickly fell in love with being in the best shape possible.
He followed his dream and became a Pro Wrestler. Sadly, his career was cut short. In January of 1997, he broke his neck wrestling. As a result, it left him as a c5/c6 quadriplegic. He did not give up. With the help of his wife, he began competing in Wheelchair Bodybuilding in 2008. He is currently preparing for the NPC USA's in june.
Talking about great inner strength! Gene took something negative from his life and turned it into something positive. His love for this industry never died...nor did his spirit and hope!
“I was wrestling as my main character, “Geno Van Damn”, in a grudge match. I won the match as planned, but my opponent attacked me as the match was over and, as a result of a pile driver gone wrong, I broke my neck. I am now a c5/c6 incomplete quadriplegic.”
WP: Hi Gene! Thanks so much for doing this interview! Let’s begin with you telling us a little about your background.
GB: Well, thank you! I was born in 1970, and as a child, I loved watching wrestling and martial arts on television. In high school, I started lifting weights and was hooked. After that, I joined the local gym and have been lifting ever since.
WP: When was your first pro wrestling match? Tell me about that experience.
GB: In the mid 90’s, I debuted as “The Black Ninja” in a tag team match for a local television show. I was so nervous at first, but when I heard the crowd’s reaction I got a huge rush. We may have lost that match, but it was a fun experience!
WP: During a match in 1997, an incident occurred that changed your life. Can you tell me what happened?
GB: I was wrestling as my main character, “Geno Van Damn”, in a grudge match. I won the match as planned, but my opponent attacked me as the match was over and, as a result of a pile driver gone wrong, I broke my neck. I am now a c5/c6 incomplete quadriplegic.
WP: What was running through your head when you found out your diagnosis?
GB: At first, it was like a bad dream. I kept thinking, “This can’t be happening”. I was shocked and confused, but I accepted what was ahead of me. I pressed onward through rehab and continue to move forward!
WP: You are truly a man to admire. You didn’t let your injury keep you from competition; instead, you began a new fitness venture! What was it like preparing for your first wheelchair bodybuilding show?
GB: Thank you! It was a whole new world for me. I always stayed in shape but preparing for a competition was a new challenge; everything from workouts, dieting and practicing my posing routine.
WP: Tell me about your first competition!
GB: My first competition was the 2008 NPC Greater Gulf South USA Wheelchair Bodybuilding Championships in Metairie, Louisiana. I took 1st in Novice and 2nd in Masters over 35. It was a blast! I really enjoyed it very much!
WP: First place in your first show is an amazing feat! What is the most significant thing you took away from that competition?
GB: The most significant thing I took away was a new sense of pride. Just being there amongst the other competitors was an honor.
WP: Do you have any shows lined up for 2010?
GB: Yes, I am doing the NPC Greater Gulf South Show on June 26th and 27th.
WP: That’s great! Are you doing anything different to get ready for that show?
GB: I have a new workout and diet along with a new posing routine. Hopefully, I’ll be in all-around better shape.
WP: Do you have any new goals?
GB: Yes, I want to win both classes and to compete in Nationals next year.
WP: With your drive and determination, I see those goals becoming reality! What has been your motivation?
GB: My wife and my two daughters. I was to be around as long as possible for them.
WP: That is a significant motivator. You are very lucky to have such a supportive family! What advice would you give to someone faced with your same circumstances?
GB: Never give up! Although things may be tough, life goes on. Make the best of what you have, and roll with the punches, as they say!
WP: Regarding preparation for your upcoming show, can you give me an example of your new diet? How does this diet differ from when you’re off-season?
GB: My current diet consists of high protein, low fat and low carbs. Being a quadriplegic, my diet does not change very much. The only difference for me is that in my off-season I take in more calories and lift heavier.
WP: Do you currently take any supplements?
GB: I am currently taking Gaspari Nutrition supplements and pre-contest stack.
WP: Are there any other sports or activities you’re involved in?
GB: I ride a hand cycle for cardio and fun.
WP: That sounds fun! Can you tell me about your family?
GB: I have one brother and two sisters. My mother is still alive, but my father passed away in 1998. I married my wife, Laura, in 1997. We have two daughters together. The oldest is 3 years old and the other is almost 1 year.
WP: Who are some of your idols? Who do you admire most in the fitness industry?
GB: Lou, Arnold, Lee Haney, Kevin Leverone, David, and Peter Paul are a few of my idols. I admire everyone in the fitness industry just for being in it. The dedication it takes to be in it should be admired by all.
WP: Well said. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
GB: Wow, hopefully I’ll still be competing and winning titles. Also, I hope to be a Pro in the sport.
WP: Your dedication to your sport is unwavering! What do you consider to be important in life? Why?
GB: Family, health and faith. Without them, you have nothing; you’re just a lost soul.
WP: Do you have any future projects in the works?
GB: I plan on making a DVD of my workouts.
WP: Any shout outs?
GB: A big shout out to Team Big Dawgz, United M3 and Carecure.org. Also, to Legally Pumped Gear and to my home town, Pierre Part, Louisiana.
WP: Gene, you are a true testament of determination and strong will. It has been a pleasure interviewing you! Good luck in your show in June, and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!
GB: Thank you very much. It was a pleasure for me as well!
