The 2016 Summer Olympics are quickly approaching and although only a small percentage of elite athletes ever actually make it to Olympian status, every kid at one points dreams that they'll be the next Michael Phelps or Gabby Douglas. A big part of that belief comes from growing up watching dozens of heartwarming and hilarious sports movies where the underdog always won the big game/meet/match ect. with just a little determination and a pop song scored training montage.
Here are just a few of those inspiring flicks that made us all beg our parents to drive us to soccer tryouts or sign us up for cheer camp in hope of one day winning that gold medal:
1. Ice Princess
Who knew the secret to becoming an instant champion figure skater champion was physics? Not only did this movie make us all long for Casey's killer skating moves and sparkly outfits, but it basically accomplished the impossible by making Advanced Calculus projects seem useful!
2. Bring It On (and every sequel)
These films kicked off the cheerleading phenomenon and proved that not only is cheerleading definitely a real sport, but it's a total lifestyle that requires tons of commitment! When we weren't reciting classic quotes like "You are being a cheer-tator, Torrance and a pain in my ass!" we were working on perfecting our 'spirit fingers'!
3. Brink!
The only thing more 90s then than shaggy haircuts and baggy jeans were skate parks. This movie had us all saving up our allowances for a sick pair of blades and attempting to build radical ramps in our backyards. (Resulting in more than a few skinned knees)
4. Jump In!
Who knew that jumping rope could be so cutthroat competitive? This flick starring High School Musical alum Corbin Bleu showed that double-dutch isn't just a playground game and featured an amazingly catchy soundtrack to get your jump on to.
Sidenote: Exclamation points were clearly a popular title choice for Disney Channel. Gotta get across all that action and enthusiasm!!!
5. Stick It
Gymnastics is always one of my favorite sports to watch in the Summer Olympics because of all the risky stunts and contortions in each of the gymnasts performances. Stick It features plenty of these gravity defying routines paired with scene after scene of hilariously sassy dialogue.
6. Whip It
Still going strong with the snappy two-word verb titles, 2009's "Whip It" brought attention to the badass, girl power sport of roller derby and had us all picking out our own Derby nicknames!
7. Cadet Kelly
Only early 2000s Hilary Duff had the power to make drill team practices look chic. Kelly had us all wishing we could be sent to military school or convince or parents to let us take an interpretive dance class.
8. Bend It Like Beckham
Not only is this movie inspiring for it's character's skills on the soccer field, but it also broke barriers by addressing issues of racial discrimination showcasing a meaningful romance between two young women who fight to maintain their relationship despite disapproving families.
9. Double Teamed
This Disney Channel Original Movie was based on the real-life careers of professional basketball players Heather and Heidi Burge. Sadly, being just over 5 feet tall, I never had any high hopes (pun intended) of being a star on the b-ballercourt, but i was incredibly jealous of the twins ability to master both basketball and volleyball while still in high school!
10. Herbie Fully Loaded
Back when we were still dreaming of the day when we'd be old enough to get a learner's permit, nothing seemed better than racing a self-driving car with it's own adorable personality! Even now I still totally want my own Herbie.
11. Motorcrossed
This movie threw double standards aside and ran over them full throttle, showing that a girl could dominate the world of motorcycle racing and stay confident despite her sexist critics.
12. Wild Child
What do you do when your dad sends you to an English boarding school to cure your rebellious California Girl ways? Well, if you're Emma Roberts' character in "Wild Child" you channel all that attitude into field hockey! Not only is the game a hardcore workout but the polo and knee sock combo is always stylish.
13. Step Up
Basically our generation's "West Side Story", "Step Up" captivated us with it's star-crossed romance between a tough juvenile delinquent and a privileged dance student while we also attempted to imitate their impressive competition choreography in our living rooms.
If you're looking for even more inspiration to get moving or take up a new hobby, make sure to tune in to all the Olympic action in Rio on August 5th!
