9: Mark Caso: Unstoppable Mental Resilience
Mark Caso
NCAA National Champion, 6-Time US National Team Member
About
Mark was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1981 to 1986. He won several medals as he traveled the world representing the United States and earned additional medals in national competitions while representing UCLA at the collegiate level. He was the Co-Captain of the 1984 NCAA National Championship winning team. Mark had a gymnastics skill named after him, called the “Caso Twist,” which is a full twisting front uprise Stutz.
After gymnastics, Mark moved into the world of entertainment, where he played the lead role of “Leonardo” in the 1990’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Films, various roles in the 1990’s Mortal Kombat Films, and did stunts and acting in other movie projects as well.
Currently Mark serves as the Vice President of Sales at Bruder Toys America, Inc. He is married to Beate Bruder and they have two daughters, Isabella and Francesca.
Connect with Mark:
Show Notes
In this episode of the Resilience to Brilliance podcast, host Kim Hamilton Anthony talks with Mark Caso, a former UCLA gymnast who overcame a severe neck injury to find success both in and out of the sport. Mark recounts his time at UCLA, his injury, and the mental resilience he developed during recovery.
He shares insights on overcoming fear, the importance of support systems, and his post-gymnastics career, including his role as Leonardo in the Ninja Turtles movies and his leadership role at an international toy company. The episode is a testament to Mark's perseverance, the significance of mental health, and the joy of embracing new opportunities.
Timestamps
The Resilience to Brilliance Podcast (00:00:00) Introduction to the podcast and disclaimer about the views expressed by the host and guests.
Choosing UCLA and Making a Vow (00:02:23) Mark Caso shares how he chose UCLA for gymnastics and the commitment he made with his coach and teammates.
The Accident and Its Aftermath (00:08:08) Mark Caso recounts the life-changing injury he suffered during gymnastics training and the emotional and physical impact it had on him.
Taking Responsibility and Finding Resilience (00:19:04) Mark Caso's coach, Makoto Sakamoto, visits him in the hospital and takes responsibility for Mark's injury, leading to a discussion about resilience and personal growth.
Confronting Demons and Mental Health (00:25:08) Mark Caso reflects on the mental and emotional challenges he faced after the injury, and how it shaped his approach to life and mental health.
The twisties (00:26:33) Mark discusses overcoming mental obstacles in gymnastics, focusing on breathing and controlling negative thoughts.
Returning to gymnastics (00:30:18) Mark's doctors advised retirement after a neck injury, but he persisted and received medical clearance.
Qualifying for the USA Championships (00:32:16) Mark's determination and hard work led to his qualification and success at the USA Championships.
Post-gymnastics career (00:44:30) Mark reflects on his diverse career, including his involvement as a leader at an international toy company and his role in creating popular toys.
Ninja Turtles and stunt work (00:46:14) Mark shares his experience as a stunt performer and actor, particularly his role as Leonardo in the Ninja Turtles movies.
Family support and brother (00:49:45) Mark's brother's commitment to his safety and support during his recovery and time at UCLA.
Current involvement in the toy company (00:50:26) Mark's creative and leadership role in the toy company, including collaboration with his wife and the company's success.
Gymnastics background and family (00:52:14) Discussion about incorporating gymnastics into activities, daughters' activities, and concerns about gymnastics.
Advice on resilience (00:57:22) Advice on how to be resilience by creating a simple plan.
Breathing and living in the moment (01:01:07) Importance of good breathing and living in the moment for achieving brilliance.
Resilience and facing the impossible (01:05:23) Reflection on Mark's story, emphasizing resilience in facing challenges that seem impossible.
Disclaimer
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