Following the 1992 Olympics, my brother and I, along with the neighbor boys organized our own backyard Olympics. We mapped out a bike race, measured standing long jumps, built a high jump pit with an old mattress (see below), and spaced out a set of hurdles. I was constantly trying to keep up with my older brother. That transitioned into keeping up with, or away from, the boys on the elementary school playground. I loved seeing their surprised faces as my quickness and physical aptitude evaded their “it” exchange.
My love for athletics continued as I participated in sports from middle school through college. Participating in sports helped me set goals, practice self-discipline, learn the ups and downs of team work, and realize that hard work can lead to success and reaching your goals. And along the way, many talented women inspired me.
Continuing with the Olympic theme, I adored the 1996 Magnificent Seven USA gymnastics team. Their journey to gold began my love for gymnastics. After countless times of watching a video of the 1988 Olympic track and field competition, I can still recall the strength and determination of Jackie Joyner-Kersee and “Flo-Jo” Florence Griffith Joyner.
In addition to the female world champions, I was fortunate to have multiple athletic mentors who fueled my passion for sports. Coaches taught me about confidence, focus, and believing in myself to accomplish anything. Older athletes demonstrated positive leadership and set an example of respect. The tables turned when I began teaching gymnastics and became a role model for groups of energetic young girls.
From these experiences I learned that girls need to be encouraged at a young age to believe in the strength and capability of their bodies, instead of being told their bodies are something to look at and admire aesthetically. Little did I know that our 1992 set of hurdles would lead to eleven years of competitive hurdling and irreplaceable opportunities for self-discovery.
Who’s inspired you as an athlete? Perhaps Mary Lou Retton, Billie Jean King, Marion Jones, Michelle Kwan, Venus and Serena Williams, Mia Hamm, Lisa Leslie, or Jennie Finch?
