Market:  New York

Athlete:  John Giusti (ICAP)

I’m a first-time competitor in next month’s New York Decathlon.

After reading UNBROKEN entries, I have gained a tremendous amount respect for past competitors and an invaluable look into having the opportunity to be named “Wall Street’s Best Athlete.”  I’m honored to share insight from a fresh point of view: a newcomer’s standpoint.

I first learned of The Decathlon in 2015 while studying for the Series 24.  Needing something to help me through that arduous process, I promised myself that if I passed the test I would compete in 2016.   Well, here we are; 1 month from game day.  The Decathlon has inspired me at a time that I needed it most, as I was going through personal changes and needed to recommit to myself. I had been searching for something like this to reignite my athletic fire and to help bring more balance to my life

I began working on Wall Street 10 years ago, and having been a competitive athlete since childhood and through college, my career added a layer to my identity outside of athletics for the first time.  But as time progressed and my priorities changed, social events increased while exercise decreased -- an issue I know is not unique to my life.

Since I needed to retrain my body to understand the demands of consistent exercise again, a lot has gone into preparing for the big day, but as hard as it’s been, it has made me whole again both mentally and physically.  I’m grateful.

Through several months of grueling -- many times humbling -- training, I’ve managed to rebuild my body, recapture my strength, and regain my confidence. I’m back on track.  My father aptly asked me when I began training, “What are you fighting for?” For any athletic competition amongst your peers -- especially when your peers are typically “Type A” personalities -- that answer is clear.  I don’t like to lose; I fight to win.

Which brings me to the real fighters; fighting to win is most appropriately applied to those fighting the battle against cancer.  Memorial Sloan Kettering is directly responsible for saving people who are very important to me.  Through striving to become whole again personally, I’ve taken a step further and have stepped outside of myself to fight for the real fighters. 

As a first time competitor, it’s sometimes difficult to gauge where I will be in the pack when game day arrives, but heading into The Decathlon I’m hoping that my past athletic specialties combined with recent, focused training will put me near the top in several categories, all in the name of a worthwhile cause.  

As I continue to train, I know for certain that when June comes I’ll be fully prepared.  I know my ‘why’.  It’s clear.  I know what I’m fighting for.

I’m bringin’ it,

JOHN ANGELO GIUSTI