Top TED Talks for Sports Fans | Marty Lancton

If you love sports, you know that there's nothing quite like watching your favorite game or athlete in action. But what if you desire to take your fandom to the next level? Check out these TED Talks for some inspiration!

1) Are athletes getting faster, better, stronger? by David Epstein

David Epstein discusses the idea that athletic records are constantly improving and explains why this is happening. He also details various factors like nutrition and training for athletes, including resources and tips for teens looking to become involved in sports.

2) Never, ever give up by Diana Nyad

Twenty-four times, 210+ hours of swimming later, Diana Nyad was finally able to swim from Cuba to Florida. The age-defying athlete talks about her extensive training and how she believed in herself when everyone else told her that it could not be done. She shares the secret to her success: never giving up.

3) The math behind basketball's wildest moves by Rajiv Maheswaran

Rajiv Maheswaran explains the math behind basketball moves like the behind-the-back pass, hockey assist, and baseball slide. He acknowledges that players are not always aware of their own statistics but sees hope in young children who are more likely to understand these numbers because they are just beginning to learn about sports.

4) This tennis icon paved the way for women in sports by Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King tells the story of when she and a female colleague were rejected from entering a men's-only tournament even though they had qualified. She discusses how this experience led to her co-founding the Women's Tennis Association and fighting for equal pay in tennis.

5) Changing my legs - and my mindset by Aimee Mullins

Aimee Mullins, a model and actress who has appeared in the movies "The X-Men" and "Pleasantville," redefines what it means to have legs. Born without fibulae, Aimee's legs were amputated below the knee when she was one year old. She talks about how prosthetics weren't just a replacement for her limbs but an addition to her life that allowed her to achieve things like running track and playing soccer.

6) Are we born to run? by Christopher McDougall

Christopher McDougall discusses the idea of running as a natural part of human existence, citing examples of activities like endurance hunting, which our ancestors were able to do for days at a time. He talks about how modern technology has weakened our bones and made us more sedentary and shares tips on getting into running yourself.

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About Marty Lancton

Patrick "Marty" Lancton is a Houston, Texas native and a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience as a union President and Vice President, business owner, partner, board member, and state-certified firefighter. He's incredibly involved in and passionate about the lives of the first responders, especially firefighters, from all around the Houston, Texas area.

Marty Lancton's journey as a firefighter and paramedic with the first responders began in the year 2000, when he joined the City of Cedar Park Fire Department in Cedar Park, Texas. After three fulfilling years, he then moved to the City of West University Fire Department in West University, Texas. He stayed at the fire department until 2009 before moving to the City of Houston Fire Department, and has remained there to this day.

Marty Lancton has served in a number of positions of authority within the first responders community. For example, since 2015, Marty has served as the Chairman of the Executive Board for the Houston Professional Firefighters Association Charitable Foundation. Not only that, but also in 2016, Marty was elected President of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, and in 2017, he even joined the State Association of Firefighters as the Vice President for the Executive Board of Directors. Marty Lancton also joined the Texas AFL-CIO as Vice President of the Executive Board of Directors. In 2019, Marty accepted a senior fellow position from the British American Project. Most recently, Marty made huge career advancements by joining the American Leadership Forum and the United States Executive Committee of the British American Project as a Senior Fellow in 2020. To learn more about Marty Lancton, visit his websites!