How do you view the strength sport today, compared to the Old days? 
(training, nutrition, ambitions, sacrifices...)
An Athlete is an Athlete nomatter what generation!
In the Old days, the Athletes were great too, and some of the basic workouts are still used. Powerlifting and Olympic Style of Lifting, Stone Lifting and Farmers Walk. We owe the Old timers a lot. 
One other thing to consider, we had hardly any Coaching in the Old days. We had a lot of trial and miss. A lot was dependent on yourself. Once in a while you had other Athletes to workout with you.
What not to forget is the Great Athletes who were look down on, because of the colour of their skin. We should not ever forget the sacrifice they made, and the experience they suffered "as we learned" - "an Athlete is an Athlete." 
Things are different in Sports Science today. Education, attitudes, especially with our great Women Athletes. Sponsorship, Media Coverage, and of course Scholarships, Nutrition, Sports Massage etc., and Financial Successes if you make the grade. 
We have so many ways of improving our education as an Athlete and Coach. Competing with World Class Athletes from all over the globe, and sharing ideas with their Coaches and Athletes, and of course the Computer World has been a big help. 

You used to train and compete in Powerlifting and Olympic Lifting, can you tell us a bit from that?
I have lifted in Powerlifting and Olympic Lifting competitions, but I have been a better Coach than a Lifter. I've been around the Great Lifters and Coaches. I have had the Greatest Education by being in the trenches, and continuing my education, a lot of research, clinics that are put on. Working out with that class of Lifters, and sharing training ideas. You will get their respect on how you perform, and the type of person you are, and how you are willing to learn. Because of my age and bodyweight, and going against the Big Guys, you get their respect and approval, which meant a lot to me. 

Why is the Strongman Walk/Farmers Walk so special to you?
Only a few Athletes in my class do it. It is one of the events the Strongman competition does. It takes a tole on you! I like that! It is the last event in the Games. We do seven to eight events on one day - or split it over two days.

If you are a strength athlete, and you don't make it within the discipline you trained for... there are so many other strong fields to be chosen (weightlifting, powerlifting, strongman, highland games, track and field - throwing), if you can't be successful in one area, then maybe you can in another. You tried Powerlifting and Olympic Lifting, but you found your niche in The Highland Games and Track & Field, even at a mature age. There are many who would give up on the road, but you kept on going until you found your successful path. I admire that! 

I sometimes run across statements that sound very disrespectful towards certain disciplines in the strength sport. Doesn't every level and discipline deserve respect and credit, knowing that the athletes take pride and joy in what they're doing?
This type of thinking is flooding our Athletic Industry. Squats are not good, Olympic Lifting the same etc. It is disrespectful. Every Athlete, nomatter what field, who give everything for their Sport, should be given the rightful credit and respect. The wave of modern times tries to set new "in" trends, but as long as there are a few dedicated Athletes around, I trust that every strong discipline will be kept alive - with pride!

If a talented Athlete comes to you, and says: 
"Mr. Hughes, I can't do this anymore, I'm tired, I just can't do it, I need a break." 
What would you say/do?
Not an easy or simple answer here. There are so many things to take into consideration. An Athlete in the higher levels most all go through this. A lot of times they have to take some time off, and regroup themselves. At times they are asking for help in that type of response. I've had them visit the Children's Hospital, and the Special Olympics. That in itself puts them back on track. They realize they have a gift that requires responsibility, and can share it with others. 
They also have the options of different directions in the Athletic Field, but they will have to learn to separate the difference between pain, and being hurt.
If their frame of mind requires professional help, in a religious sense, or otherwise, there are people they can turn to.
Again, you really have to research the Athlete. It is an area where you can destroy, or make the Athlete successful. They have to understand Courage, and Heart. Most great Athletes do. 
If you quit now, without giving yourself a chance, you will always quit when the chips are down. That failure is no option. 
I can share ideas with them and mostly listen, and be aware of the question: "WHY."
Sports as you know is very demanding, on themselves, and family. Only a few can make it, if it is in their heart & courage to do so.

In your opinion, what does it take to become a successful strength athlete?
Being willing to have an open professional attitude towards the Athletes and Coaches and the people you work with. Whether you agree or not is not the issue, you get the "damn" job done successfully. Keeping up your education, and always be aware of your surroundings... and listen. Politics don't build success - responsibilities does. 

Tell us about a talented female athlete in Track & Field/Highland Games?
Shannon Hartnett. She is a great friend and Athlete in the Highland Games. She is a World Champion, and broke many records. She competes in the Strong Women's competition all over the world. She had an article in Sports Illustrated May 15 of this year about her. It was titled Shannon, Queen of Scots. She is a former Heptathlon Athlete at Sonoma State, in the Track and Field events. I saw her this weekend at the Campbell Games. She owns her own Fitness Gym, in Santa Rosa California. She has played a major role for women in the Games. As Jim Mc Goldrick, five times World Champion pointed out in Sports Illustrated: "She is a brilliant Athlete and exceptionally Strong."

What is the greatest part of being in Athletics?
All the Great Friends, all the knowledge you share, young or old - and of course reaching your goals!

You work long and hard hours at Stanford every day, can you give us a report on the happenings there these days? What are you current tasks at Stanford?
As this is the Olympic Year, I'm busy with some of the Athletes who are trying to make the team. I have some visiting Wrestlers who I'm helping with part of their Strength Training. Some Shot Putters, and the Stanford Women's Swimming Team. I'm helping Ross, who is one of the Coaches, and in charge of the Strength Program. He asked me to help with the lifts. It was very nice of him to think of me. They're a great bunch. 
Joe Motto, a Graduate Student from Stanford, took First Place in a Powerlifting Contest, and qualified for the Jr. Worlds. I helped him with his training. Most of the Athletes are training for their Sports, but not involved with any Strongman competitions.
I've been getting e-mail from some of the TV Shows who have instruction on weight training. They wondered if I would come down for a shoot. I indicated that this is a busy time for me, and my Athletes come first, I will share ideas on training with them. They understood, and respected my responsibility. They are very nice people.

Anything you want to say at the end Mr. Hughes?
I would like to address this story to the Stanford Athlete Department, All the Great Coaches and Athletes I know and who's given me help and support over the years. My Mother and Father who are not with me any more, I wish they were alive to share this with me. To all my Friends - Thank You.
I am blessed to be a part of this Sport, I am blessed with a good Life, and I am blessed with so many Great Friends. Thank you all!

The best of luck to all the present and future Athletes!