The start of the Olympic Games always makes me feel nostalgic. When I was young, I had big dreams of becoming a synchronized swimmer. I’d spend hours in the pool (by myself) practicing (in the shallow end, so my toes could touch), and then call my mom into the backyard to watch. She was so encouraging– never once telling me what “synchronized” meant or that I was supposed to be doing those moves without touching the bottom of the pool.
This got me thinking about my girls’ future. Will they ever be Olympians? They need to be at least athletic enough for a college scholarship, because I’m certainly not paying for it—unless they go to the University of Texas; I’d make an exception for the best school in America.
What would Lira and Zana compete in? I think they have a few good options, based on their current activities, which are:
- Fighting. They’re both really good at this, so I’m thinking Wrestling might be a good event for one or both of them. They might get disqualified for scratching or hair-pulling, but I think it’s worth a shot. This picture kind of reminds me of them:
Courtesy Ed Wray / Associated Press - Scaring the crap out of me. This is Zana’s specialty. She jumps, flips, balances on things and has absolutely no fear… kind of like the Olympic gymnasts and divers. Also, she doesn’t eat, a critical part of the Karolyi training plan.
- Running. And by running I mean running away from me when I’m calling them. They break into sprints that would make FloJo proud. And I think Track might also work because it’s mostly individual sports and they’re not really into sharing. I’d hate to see them win Olympic Gold in something like basketball and have to share the spotlight with a bunch of other athletes.
Synchronized swimming?
I know Dave wants them to compete in Soccer, but since Lira doesn’t like walking from the car to our front door, I don’t really see her running across a field for 90+ minutes at a time. Plus, last time I checked, they don’t wear tutus in soccer. And Zana refuses to wear socks, so she would probably have a hard time keeping those shin guards on.
Lira wants to try out archery, thanks to Princess Merida in Brave, but I don’t like the idea of letting her handle an actual weapon. Beach volleyball, perhaps? They did like the beach and love running around half-naked. Whatever it is, they need to decide soon. They’re not going to make it to the 2024 Olympics sitting around eating frozen yogurt, having play dates and watching The Fresh Beat Band.
Anyone have any tips on how to raise an Olympian?
The boys want to go to Texas or Princeton. I said if they really love me, they would go to Texas like I did. Diva said she wants to live in NYC. I said “only if I go with you.”
Forget the kids…I’m an Olympian, my sport is guilt.
In all seriousness. I have a diver/baseball player, a martial artist/baseball player, and a dancer/softball player. My other olympic event is the ways I find the money to pay for all these things. Cause in the metro area it ain’t cheap.
That’s a whole ‘nother blog post… Olympic events for moms. The fact that you pay to have three kids in all of those things absolutely deserves a medal.
Also, remembering who goes where when– that’s a different sport that moms excel in.
I LOVE synchronized swimming. Too bad it’s not a major televised sport. I need ESPN the Ocho or something ;). (That’s from Dodgeball) Anyways, LOL on the not eating part and hilarious wrestling photo! To raise an Olympian, I hope you are ready to get a few more jobs ’cause I bet it’s EXPENSIVE. We took our son to the pool for the first time this weekend, and I thought, what if he’s a natural and is Olympic material? Haha. Why do the Olympics give us all grand ideas? Hehe.
I don’t think they need to be Olympians, necessarily. Maybe just exceptional enough to get full scholarships at top schools? Is that too much to ask?? I think not.
Absolutely not. How about really smart too? And good looking?