Like a special friend who only visits once every four years, the Summer Olympics are back. And I'm in heaven. The competitions, the sports, the athletes, the NBC specials. The Summer Olympics are by far my favorite television event of all time. Why? Softball, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, diving, swimming, track and field, wrestling... I love this time of year! I began my Olympic obsession back in 1984, hypnotized by gymnastics. Everyday, I begged for magazines, Olympic gear, the Atari game, an exercise mat, gymnastic lessons, and every single book about an Olympic athlete that I could get my hands on.
What sparked my Olympic obsession? Three words.
Mary Lou Retton
She was cute and girly, yet powerful and strong. I wanted to be Mary Lou Retton.
Immediately, I raced to the hairdresser for the pixie cut and emptied my piggy bank to buy the official Olympic leotard. I rolled out my mat day after day dressed in red, white, and blue, attempting to do what I saw on television. I sucked. Seriously, I couldn't do a split, I was scared to death of the uneven bars, and I grew to be five foot two before my tenth birthday. Eventually, I gave up, tossed my mat in the closet and dusted off my glove and shin guards. It was not meant to be.
What Summer Olympic sport is your fave? Can you think of a time in your life when you tried something new and it didn't exactly go as planned? Or did you ever obsessively idolize someone?
PRETTY TOUGH TUESDAY: Check out Olympic Softball coverage here.
Have a great day, everyone! :)
