(Alternative Title: An Olympic Trip Down Memory Lane)
The Little Gymnast was one of my favorite books when I was younger. I read it several times, imagining what it would be like to be young Anda, a talented gymnast whose parents didn't have enough money to continue her lessons. (Don't worry - there was a scholarship.)Later, of course, I would know exactly how that felt, when my parents could no longer afford to pay for my dance lessons. Well, except for the part about being talented. I've got rhythm, but I don't really think I would have been a SYTYCD contender.
I did take gymnastics when I was 4 - before I read this book a dozen times. The girl who lived across the street was a cheerleader, and she taught us how to do cartwheels and backbends in her parents' basement. Every time I hear Toni Basil, I think of those lessons.
Of course, I was quick to abandon my gymnast dreams when my parents said the next summer, "You can play t-ball or take more gymnastics lessons. It's one of the other." So, T-ball it was.
But two years ago when I volunteered to do some PR for Dragon Gymnastics (home to 2004 Olympic gymnasts, Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool) and the 2006 US Classic, I was reminded of my young love for gymnastics. I loved being a part of the world of vaults and mats and chalk and beams, if even for a brief time and behind the scenes. What those girls do is amazing!
And yes, Chelley, I will give Iowa props for sending Shawn Johnson to the 2008 Olympics. I was rooting for Kansas City's own Ivana Hong, but Shawn was amazing in China. And I know she did Iowa proud!
