04/20/24
June 24, 2004
Mutant muscle-boy found; sports career and sponsorhips beckon.: OK, I made the second part up. Nothing really sports-related here, except that this is a five-year-old who has "muscles twice the size of other children his age and half their body fat." He has a mutant gene that blocks the production of myostatin, a protein that inhibits muscle growth. He's "normal" apart from being able to to lift three kilo (6.6 lb) weights. What sport will he play? Who will be his sponsor? Which X-Man will he be? Where is Dr. Xavier?
posted by worldcup2002 to extreme at 03:58 PM - 17 comments
I thought he might be big and strong like Colossus. Except, without the ability to change his body to steel (iron?).
posted by worldcup2002 at 05:20 PM on June 24, 2004
...ability to change his body to steel (iron?). Judges? Correct answer!
posted by lilnemo at 05:25 PM on June 24, 2004
He's "super-strong" because he can lift 7 lbs at 5 years old? I was carrying gallons of milk at that age, and they're heavier than that...sounds like they're just comparing him to a bunch of pansies...
posted by MeatSaber at 05:43 PM on June 24, 2004
He'll probably end up being the next governor of California.
posted by aupa_athletic at 06:03 PM on June 24, 2004
He's "super-strong" because he can lift 7 lbs at 5 years old? I was carrying gallons of milk at that age, and they're heavier than that...sounds like they're just comparing him to a bunch of pansies... I think they're saying he can hold them straight out, arms extended, for a good length of time.
posted by bcb2k2 at 06:20 PM on June 24, 2004
Colossus is dead? I didn't know that! Waaaaaaaaaaah! This weekend, I'm taking my 3-yr-old son to buy his first comic book and action figure. He wants Superman and Batman. The "father indulging own geek interests by encouraging them in his son" plan is falling into place. Oh yes. *makes fist with right hand and sticks out little finger next to corner of mouth*
posted by worldcup2002 at 06:20 PM on June 24, 2004
btw, check out our Google Ads: MUSCLE MILK! I love me sum a dat muscle milk!
posted by worldcup2002 at 06:22 PM on June 24, 2004
Woo-Hoo! Be sure to geekify him properly. 2 rules: 1. Introduce Marvel and D.C. Comics 2. Teach him that anyone who doesn't bag & board is a troglodyte.
posted by lilnemo at 06:24 PM on June 24, 2004
Perhaps the mutant kid signed on with muscle milk?
posted by lilnemo at 06:34 PM on June 24, 2004
posted by yerfatma at 06:47 PM on June 24, 2004
I may have misheard this, but when I heard about this kid on the radio, I think I heard them say that one possible consequence of his condition is congestive heart failure :-(
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:20 PM on June 24, 2004
He's "super-strong" because he can lift 7 lbs at 5 years old? I was carrying gallons of milk at that age, and they're heavier than that...sounds like they're just comparing him to a bunch of pansies... You are my new hero. Those German scientists are clearly fawning over the wrong ubermensch. Hey eggheads, the real tough guy is over here on SportsFilter.
posted by molafson at 11:54 PM on June 24, 2004
molafson, I think you missed my point. I'm not denying this kid has a condition that may one day make him a lot stronger than any 3 of us here at SpoFi, but to make it a point that he can lift 6.6 lbs just isn't impressive, and I don't see why they're making such a fuss over it right now...
posted by MeatSaber at 01:39 PM on June 25, 2004
Cuz he's a mutant muscle boy, MeatHead! Geez....
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:25 PM on June 25, 2004
I think the fact that he can hold 7 lbs out for longer than some adults is the impressive part. The important part of this story, in my eyes, is that this gives researchers a hell of a lot of proof about that one protein (whose name I am too lazy to go look up again) that inhibits other proteins and muscle growth. They had tested it in mice but weren't sure of the effect on humans. This opens the door for research into new supplements and steroids. It seems that since it's protein related it might end up giving results similar to steroids without a lot of the negative side effects, though they do still worry about his long term health, so maybe it'll be just as bad.
posted by Bernreuther at 02:39 PM on June 25, 2004
But is muscle milk Atkins-compatible? Some milk is, some isn't.
posted by billsaysthis at 05:08 PM on June 25, 2004
What sport will he play? He's German and strong. I'll go with weight-lifter. Who will be his sponsor? I'll go out on a limb and say Gerber. Which X-Man will he be? Niklas the Annihilator. Where is Dr. Xavier? Shaking his colostomy bag.