A Hall of Fame is the perfect way to recognise and honour people who have made a real difference in their field and achieved something remarkable. We know Mudder Nation is full of remarkable people and so to commence our 10th Anniversary year, Tough Mudder opened its very own Hall of Fame and inducted its first 5 people. This recognition is reserved for exceptional individuals that have made a permanent and lasting mark on the Tough Mudder community and we’ll be bringing you their stories over a series of Hall of Fame blogs.
Standing in The Hall of Fame
Hundreds of thousands of Mudders will have crossed a Tough Mudder start line with the immortal words, “no one is better than your best, but your best will make you better” and “when was the last time you did something for the first time?” These words are spoken with true heart and meaning, by the one and only Sean Corvelle, Tough Mudder’s very own US version of Mr Motivator, emcee, and the first ever person inducted into the Tough Mudder Hall of Fame.
Here is what Sean had to say about Tough Mudder and his place in the Hall of Fame.
What Got You Interested in Tough Mudder in the First Place?
Clinton Jackson and I have known each other for a long time and are very close. He worked with Tough Mudder first. You booked him to work the 2011 Tahoe event. Everyone loved him, and you hired him for the remainder of the year. I think you asked him if he knew any other emcees, and he recommended me. Then he told me that I would love it, and should try it. I tried it, loved it, and credit him and Tough Mudder for bringing me in.
What Keeps You Coming Back?
Quite simply I love seeing people being their best and I’m addicted to the positive energy.
What Did Winning a Place in the Tough Mudder Hall of Fame Mean to You?
I don’t feel as though I’ve won something. I like to think it’s more of a recognition of my connection to everyone involved, our shared appreciation, and collective contribution to the Tough Mudder brand and community. For that I am honoured, and eternally grateful.
It’s Clear that You’ve had a Massive Impact on the Tough Mudder Community but What Impact Has the Community Had On You?
Any impact they may have received from me, is a reflection on themselves, and the huge positive impact they have on others. Words can’t express my appreciation for the Tough Mudder community. They have always, and will always, continue to strengthen and expand me physically, mentally and spiritually.
Couldn’t Have Put it Better Ourselves
These words from a Legionnaire, one of many Mudders, who nominated Sean for the Hall of Fame sums up how Mudder Nation feels about him and his part in their lives:
“This award I feel should go to the one person who has changed more lives than any other in Tough Mudder: Mr. Sean Corvelle. I realize this nomination may be unconventional by nominating someone who works for Tough Mudder but if you think about the qualifications of this nomination there is no one more fitting. He has affected thousands of lives by his words and backs those words up with his actions. There are hundreds of stories where Sean has been selfless and reached out to those that needed it; from a word of inspiration for someone fighting overseas to sitting at a bedside to hold a hand when someon;s fighting for life. Over the years he has connected with mudders by tapping into their emotions and unleashing the motivation inside. “Exceptional” seems to be an understatement for this amazing human being, and Tough Mudder would not be the same if Sean wasn’t part of it”
The words spoken by Sean at the start line resonate to so many other aspects of life. As he himself would say; “the only way you can fail today, is you did not find your best”. Finding your best at the moment could mean something very different to what you would normally class it as, and that’s OK. If you’d like some support, or help to understand what ‘your best’ means at the moment, follow our #MudderMinds series on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.