Image Source: USA Gymnastics Website
Gymnastics is a favorite summer olympic event at our house. We love it. Last night as we were watching the preliminaries, I could not help, but think about what it takes to make a team successful. The U.S. team has McKayla Maroney who is the vault specialist. Seriously, she soars in the air. They have the girls who the media have referred to as sturdy and consistent – Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman. They have Kyla Ross who while she may not be as in your face as the others, is equally important and a strong member of the team. Then there is Gabby Douglas, who is equal parts talent and personality. Mix it all together and you have an exciting team to watch. Just like so many dance teams across our country, exciting to watch because overall they are good, but individually each bring their personality and talent to the team to make it even better.
As I watched the unfolding of who would make it to the All Arounds, again I thought of dance. The awkward moment when a teammate beats another. It is difficult – both for the person who is on top and the one who did not do as well as they would have liked. I was impressed with both girls last night. For Aly, who should be thrilled, trying to choose her words and not diminish her excitment, but at the same time feeling for her teammate who has also worked hard. And for Jordyn who cheered her teammate on knowing that she may beat her and take her spot. Yes, it is the olympics which is a far bigger thing than a dance competition, but what a tremondous example of being great teammates. So proud of the shining examples they are to so many young girls. Now if only, the soccer girls could learn to play nice.
