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If he was blasted drunk or on pills or something he wouldn't speak quick at times like he is. I'm not saying that he doesn't have some issues, but I was expecting someone foaming at the mouth and unable to follow a story. That's not what I'm hearing here.
Also, it seems like he's pretty smart on a common level, but he has these ideas of failure that stem from unrealistic expections from others and maybe himself. He can't seem to get the thoughts out his head about the success of guys like McGrath. I've thought that for every guy like McGrath and Carmichael who hit the moment to moment decision lottery and seemed to make the right call every step of the way, there are 10 guys with the same physical talent, but didn't put the X's and O's together.
I remember one Pulp appearance that went really well, sounded more upbeat than this and his speech was really clear. Then I remember another one that made this one sound like motivational speech.
Brian Swink is good people, he just has a drinking problem. I've known many folks in this boat, and its not a fun one to paddle. My father was an alcoholic until quitting around my 8th grade year. It was the best decision of his life, it definitely helped his long-term health and allowed him to fully embrace the good times wih his family again. He drank hard for many many years, as well as smoked cigarettes and quit them both COLD TURKEY! It can be done and I pray Mr. Swink wins this battle for himself and his family.
Also on a side note.. I understand Brian dwells on past failures but the past is just that and can never be changed. He does however have the power to change the present and the future. Judging by the posts in this thread he has a boatload of fans to this day, and not just fans but people who called him a HERO growing up. Brain Swink was an AMAZING talent on a bike, that accomplished a lot (even if not by his standards), and that's what people remember.
What don't kill you, only serves to make you stronger. I hope this interview helps Brian to turn negative energy into positive, because it will be best decision he makes in his life. Good luck Mr. Swink, you've beat the best riders in the world during your career so I HAVE FAITH you can win this battle also.
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Both these guys know their moto stuff.
Mount up Brian, your ego will force you to get in shape.
I too have faith in you.
Thanks for letting KW interview you. Huge first step. Congrats.
In listening, I was moved by how he sounded and Watson's attempts to help in some way or maybe for someone to help Swink, so I reached out to him.
Apparently, despite my trying my best, that makes me a fuckhead.
Guessing you might have gotten a "mind your own business"?
I think I'd probably say the same if someone I did not know contacted me on such a personal level. Even if I needed help. We have the advantage of knowing his name for years and hearing him talk for an hour. He has no idea who we are, and for all he knows we are out to get him.
Its too bad its not this way, but I dont think I've ever seen an alcoholic/addict who has accepted help just because it would be a good idea to do so.
As a guess, I'd say 95% of help comes with the arrival of cop, ambulance, threat of liver transplant, etc.
When its said, "They pushed everyone away....." Uh...yes......AND....
Then when his career was over, regret took hold and became unbearable. And so he drinks to get rid of the pain.
What was powerful was when Brian said that at 6 o'clock every day he has to deal with it, the regret,and then the desire to drink. Sounds like a cry for help...a sincere asking for help...hope somebody can help him.
Mind my own business? He put his crap out there in a podcast.
Mind you that my interaction with him was after a very public podcast that was approaching an intervention - bless Kenny's heart.
I didn't know who Swink was (I was out of moto from the early 80s till 2000) nor did I give a shit.
He just seemed like a lost soul, so I several days ago wrote to offer some encouragement that he could beat it, if he wanted to. That's all.
He wrote back "Thanks bud"
Today he writes back "Good luck fuck head". There was no interaction in between.
It isn't that big a deal to me other than the human tragedy we see so many times of people's lives being wasted by alcohol.
Being called a fuckhead didn't bother me much either, as I have been called that by better folks than him, but thought it was interesting in light of this now 3 page thread.
Folks won't change till they have really hit rock bottom, but sometimes not even then
Danny Ham recently found and restored the bike he used during that period, the article is here if interested:
https://transmoto.com.au/bike-1996-cdr-miller-yamaha-yz250/
Pit Row
I wanted to reach through the monitor and slap him and say " DUDE!.....you were one of the baddest MoFo's to ever throw a leg over a bike....ever! " He did better and made more money than 99.9999% of the dudes that actually start this sport. That is not a failure!
He was one of my all time favorites all these years I got to watch him race , and to hear how he got depressed with his career , God damn , I don't think he realizes how much of a legend that guy really is? Even if he didn't win an SX main in the 250 class , he won plenty in the 125 class.
He is , and always will be a total badass to me.
Side note : If anyone ever speaks to him , let him know Pastrana never won a big bike SX or MX overall either!
This is the truth and hope he realizes it. Just look how many folks on this board called him a hero growing up.
From what I took from it. Like McGrath did also, Swink thought he way signing a contract with Factory Honda and not an upstart satellite team in Peak Honda. He also stated in the interview that he drove all the way out to California to have Stanton not return his calls, when he was told he would help get him settled in and help train him.
I thought it was hilarious he said he would like to fist fight Stanton.
Has Swink been on hard drugs or just the bottle?
Swink should seek professional help and surround himself with good buddies. Hoping for a good outcome here.
I love you man...errr....fuck head. lol
Hey , did you make it down south at all this summer for any riding? It sounded like you got in some good moto's up north there right? Weather changed dramatically here about a week ago. Been about 20 - 30 degrees cooler , heavy clouds and some much needed rain. Hope we get some good fall riding and it doesn't get all swamped out.
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