Samuel Britton: I Won't Fall Victim to the Mantra -- The Older I Get, The Better I Was.
April 18, 2019
The D10 Athlete Profile explores what brings competitors to The D10 playing field...and what they bring away from it. Sam Britton
Vice-President, Merrill Lynch
The D10 NYC
Fundraising goal: Individual (3K);
2019 Marquee event: Pull-Ups
What is your primary motivator for competing in The D10 events?
At age 63 I’m just happy I’m still allowed on the field. Ha-haI I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in my late thirties and went through a difficult stretch. Like so many of us, we come through these experiences for the better. I developed a deeper appreciation for opportunities like The D10, and a greater enjoyment of the whole process leading up to, and through, the event.
How much of your motivation for participating in The D10 stems from its charitable mission?
I’ve been very fortunate in my life and I’m very grateful for that. Anytime I have the opportunity or chance to give back is really a blessing. Combining a competition like The D10 with such a worthy cause is both motivating and rewarding for me.
How did you first get involved in The D10?
A family member told me about The D10. He offered to join if I agreed. I found the diversity of events appealing along with the purpose for The D10. This will be my fourth year as a competitor. Hopefully I will have several more!
63 and just getting going!
How has The D10 been different from your collegiate or high school sports experiences in terms of training and motivation?
For me, from a training stand point, the changes are tremendous. I graduated high school in 1973. We worked out on a Universal gym machine and coaches withheld water as a form of punishment. Fortunately, I have always had a passion for fitness. I am a certified personal trainer and certified in nutrition so I have adapted fairly well with the advances over time.
I’ve tailored my training to the sport and my role whether it was a team sport or individual. I competed as a kick boxer into my early forties and that type of training really taught me how to push myself. A good base for The D10 competition. From a motivational standpoint, I am my own greatest adversary. I don’t want to fall victim to that mantra: the older I get the better I was. Ha-ha. So I’m always pushing myself thinking I can do better.
In what ways has your participation in The D10 affected or enhanced your performance at work?
I think The D10 enhances more than just my work performance but my life as a whole. I enjoy training. I enjoy competing, even if at this stage it’s largely against myself and my personal goals. When you do more of what you love it makes you happier which in turn usually makes you more successful in your endeavors. Success builds confidence and the people around you want to share in that.
Have you made new lasting friendships, or strengthened your professional network, as a result of your D10 experience?
I can honestly say I have met many good people and got to know them a little. I have not done as much networking as I should probably due to a hectic schedule, plus that was not really a goal of mine. Overall I have found most athletes on the field to be encouraging and gracious and all associated with The D10 to be helpful and classy. It’s an honor to be a part of The D10 Community.
Sam Britton is 63 and pushing himself to compete hardcore in The D10. Support his effort by supporting his charitable cause, raising funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
