How Strictly’s James Cracknell overcame brain damage with injections, exercise and beetroot pills – Mirror Online

Posted: September 27, 2019 at 12:44 am


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Strictly Come Dancing's new series kicked off in style last night as the the starry line-up performed their routines for the first time.

Among them was athlete and double Olympic gold medalist James Cracknell .

James, 47, is no stranger to physical challenges, and continues to challenge himself beyond his distinguished rowing career. Ahead of Strictly, he's shown a remarkable weight loss as he'll hope to triumph in the show's 17th series.

He's rowed the Atlantic with pal Ben Fogle , run the London Marathon in three hours and became the highest-placed Briton to complete the gruelling Marathon des Sables across the Moroccan desert.

In 2010, he suffered a devastating turn of events as he was almost killed by a truck in Arizona. James was attempting to cycle, row, run and swim from Los Angeles to New York in 16 days.

James puts his survival down to the helmet he was wearing, as a truck's wing mirror had hit him on the back of the head.

It left him brain-damaged, and he quickly coined the term "James Mark Two" because of the subsequent personality shifts.

He wrote: "The brain had acted like a bell's hammer, swinging forward and damaging the frontal lobes.

"This area controls personality, decision-making, planning, concentration and motivation."

The dad of three became aggressive and easily riled - his Beverley, who he's now split from, once described how he had almost throttled her.

He admitted to The Mail On Sunday that his son Croyde, 11, was reluctant to spend time with his dad.

James said: "He didn't want to be alone with me, which I understand.

"He did know his dad had been through a horrendous situation. But why would you want to spend time with someone who is like I was?"

Part of the problem was the damage caused to his pituitary gland, which produces the hormone testosterone. Now James has injections to help him.

He revealed: "Now I have to have testosterone injections every 12 weeks for the rest of my life, to get me up to normal level.

"I joked with the doctor, 'Does this mean I'll grow a big beard?' He reassured me and said, 'We're just bringing you up to normal.'"

James continued: "Apart from the physical side, low testosterone does affect mood, and confidence. I wasn't aware that my testosterone count was low - I thought my symptoms were all part of the brain injury - but since the injections, I am absolutely aware that I have increased energy levels, which is great and I'm more confident, so they have definitely been worthwhile."

Remarkably, James hasn't let the brain damage slow him down. He's still incredibly active, which could bode well for him on the Strictly dance floor.

In an interview with Your Healthy Living , he dished on his exercise and diet secrets that keep him in tip top shape.

When asked what the secret behind his high energy levels and motivation is, James replied: "Having a good breakfast is absolutely vital to keep you full and to maintain your energy levels.

"I always make sure that I start the day with porridge and some Oatein."

Since the accident, he's had to make some switch ups in his diet: "I take extra omega-3 now as well as acai berry and a beetroot supplement. I also take glutamine and potassium but I used to take those before the accident.

"I discovered acai berries when I was in Brazil and I think they're great. In terms of sports nutrition I like the ActiVeman range, which is why I'm one of their ambassadors."

Being active continuously isn't an issue for James, though his training has cut down. Most of his exercise now is running or cycling, or even hitting the gym.

On motivation, he likes to set goals in every physical challenge he undertakes: "I would recommend choosing a goal, whether that be an event that you want to take part in or a weight you would like to achieve."

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How Strictly's James Cracknell overcame brain damage with injections, exercise and beetroot pills - Mirror Online

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September 27th, 2019 at 12:44 am

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