Semi-Chlorinated Life: Sport Teaches Amazing Lessons

Sport can teach so many amazing lessons. And this story will demonstrate just why that’s what it’s really all about.

A seven-year-old smiled her nervous self through all four apparatus in her first gymnastics meet of the season. Her mom could tell she was nervous because before each event, she would look at her coach with these bright excited eyes and take a deep breath with a little chuckle, it’s the way she handles that stuff. She soaked up every single cheer from her teammates, and she put every ounce of her little body into everything she did. And SHE WAS PROUD. Her parents were up in the stands cheering, clapping, and catching her eye to give her a thumbs-up. She would look at her scores and her eyes would light up because she was so much better than last year. She repeatedly counted out her score on her fingers just so her parents could really see what she had just accomplished. She congratulated her teammates, and her teammates did the same to her. The camaraderie was amazing to watch.

All the while, her mom kept thiking about what her daughter said to her the night before this meet. While readying for bed, the little girl had said, “I am so excited to win a ribbon or a medal tomorrow.” Her mom wanted to prepare for all possible outcomes so she gently replied, “You know, not everyone will get a ribbon so if you want one, you have to think about all the little things and try to do them your absolute best. But no matter what, daddy and I are SO incredibly proud of you because you have been working so hard. You have truly dedicated yourself.” She smiled. She was already proud of herself, and she didn't seem worried. . .

Read the rest of this blog and learn Skye's lesson at Semi-Chlorinated Life

Our first gymnastics meet

I don't know what I expected, but up to this point in my life, the only gymnastics that I had witnessed at a meet was at the Olympic level.  Which basically means I saw lots of stress, pressure and tears along with big skills accompanied by big smiles when the scores were good.  So, when my daughter decided to join TEAM gymnastics, I was a bit nervous about what we were getting ourselves into.

Then came the first gymnastics meet.  I tried my best to slick her hair back.  She was very sweet, almost like the mommy, telling me that "I did such a good job".  But then we get to the gym and the girls REALLY have their hair tight and braided and we both immediately knew my styling was not gonna cut the mustard.  From the moment she walked into the team room, she was embraced and loved and encouraged.  I left her at that point, with her coaches and teammates,  and sat out in the crowd to watch and take pictures…attempting to document every single moment.

The girls were adorable.  And I honestly don't where they get the courage to do this stuff in front of everyone.  In swimming, I had my cap and goggles on with my head down.  I was in my own little safe bubble.  I had tears in my eyes watching these 6-year-olds run down for their vault with such determination as each jumped, landed, and turned to beam a smile at the judges.

And the JUDGES.  They were amazing.  They were encouraging the kids every step of the way simply with their attitude.  One vault judge would thank the girls after every turn.  At the end, almost everyone got a ribbon. But it wasn't just a trophy or a medal, it was a ribbon for participating and having the courage to compete which made them feel amazing.  After it was all over, Skye said to me with the biggest smile, "I can't believe I got 9th!!!"

I think she just might be hooked and I don't blame her at all.