I have always been overly obsessed with the Olympics. Something about seeing the whole world come together in healthy competition while watching people literally live out their life long dreams brings out all the pride and pulls at all the heartstrings.
Now I am by no means an athlete, nor do I ever plan to be one. I had a stint at soccer one time and my favorite part was the end of the game because it was over. And we also got snacks. However, there’s nothing like watching gymnastics at the Olympics which makes me slightly regret my life choices. I mean who doesn’t wish they could do a million flips in the air and perfectly stick a landing while still looking gorgeous and graceful and somehow don’t have a wedgie or a camel toe? Most of these gymnasts are just s years old and have as much dedication and focus as a neurosurgeon. They absolutely transfix me.
Since the 2016 Summer Games are now in full swing, I have officially entered full on “I am a gymnast mode” like almost every other summer Olympics season. This entails all of my free time rewatching some of USA gymnastics’ greatest moments in Olympic history, reading up and stalking all the social media accounts of current and past Olympic gymnasts, and slowly, in my head of course, transform into a gymnast myself. I am reminded of Kerri Strugg’s and McKayla Maroney’s nearly perfect vaults that helped bring USA home their only team golds.
Then, I start brimming with excitement because while day dreaming in the shower I just completed my own perfect 10. I then think of Shawn Johnson and her adorable humble Iowan beginnings and how much she inspired record breaking (now two time!) Olympian Gabby Douglas and I find myself walking down the street with my attempt at the “pretty fingers” equipped with a stoic face.
On a related note…watch Lifetime’s classic The Gabby Douglas Story and try not to cry. I dare you. And let us never forget when Mary Lou Retton became the first American to win the gold for the All Around. Cue me trying to cartwheel around my apartment.
Needless to say, USA Women’s Gymnastics Team, I am here for you. I support you. I thank you. I will be watching every event and cheer for every flip, leap, and toe point. I'll probably cry when you cry, and I'll yell at every BS deduction which I know you all have way too much composure to do.
Simone, Gabby, Laurie, Madison, and Aly you inspire me. Your elegance and beauty is unfathomable. And even in my head, I could never be as spectacular as you ladies are. Bring home the #gold and continue to be my #goals.
