The Death Of Spartacus : Blood And Sand

By Coach Cj Swaby

Yesterday the sad news surged across the internet and into mainstream media, Andy Whitfield had died. Andy had contracted non Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2010 while filming the hit, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. He appeared in all of the original series, and the network agreed to wait until his health returned to continue the story (filming the prequel in the meantime) but this was not to be. You can find out more about Andy Whitfiled HERE.





I only recently got into the series Spartacus, after Coach Sabina Skala bought me the entire series DVD box set. I was at first reluctant to watch it, as I was a fan of the original Kubriks 1960's film staring Kirk Douglass. To me, Kirk Douglass owned that role, and I thought no other could do the role justice. I was mistaken. Whitfiled brought new life to the role of Spartacus and was different than Douglass' version. In short, Andy Whitfield made you believe HE was Spartacus, a man that was at once noble, yet flawed. Fair, yet vengeful, strong yet compassionate, essentially a diverse human being capable of a broad spectrum of emotions and qualities.


S what's this got to do with CJS Fitness? We're all about physical training and mental preparation. No we are not Gladiators of the arena like in Spartacus, but everyone has their own challenges in life, and for some cancer is one of the ultimate tests they will face - and this strikes a chord with us.

In the coming weeks we will be posting about WHAT is Cancer? WHAT Type of treatment is available? WHICH resources are available to support cancer patients? WHAT can cancer survivors do to regain their health & strength? WHAT carers of Cancer patients can do to help themselves? Our aim is to help slay the Dragon, or at least cut the Dragon down into manageable pieces, so that you can look it square in the eye, knowing you've giving your all to the battle. R.I. P Andy Whitefield, our thoughts go out to you and your family.


Yours in Strength


Coach Cj Swaby