That was his wife Debi-Lee Stern who was an IFBB fitness competitor. John Balik introduced them.
I witnessed their introduction while on assignment for M & F at the O. in Chicago in '96. In those early days of fitness comps., the women had to compete in
a STAIRCLIMBER event, of all things. When Debi took her turn, she broke the machine. It came apart at the pedals right under her feet. Twice. While the embarassed promoter summoned a mechanic, Thunder stood next to me, watching, churning and mumbling in ecstasy and unbridled adoration for this strong woman. Ah, love; ah, life; how swift and fine its warm foam. Let's all break a few pedals this week.
