Why the Summer Olympics are so close to my heart

Dear JAMMers,

While the movie She’s the Man said that soccer is the world’s sport, I have to say - for me, this week (and always) it is all about gymnastics. I understand that many people don’t watch sports, don’t play sports, and don’t care for the American or global sports culture.  But honestly, the inspiration and resilience are pouring out of Paris like rain poured from the sky on my wedding day (a story for another day). 

This Olympics appreciation article is dedicated to the world of gymnastics which for me, means it is dedicated to my Grandfather.  

Was I ever a gymnast? No.

Did I do amateur flips and cartwheels around my living room and copy the dancing part of the floor exercise back when Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, and Dominique Moceanu competed? You bet I did. (PS - Their bangs were so fantastic - Google it)

Did I check out gymnasts’ biographies in library class constantly in grammar school to memorize facts about them? Indeed this nerd did.

I’ve always connected to this sport because of my Grandfather. Beyond being a Navy veteran, he was an amateur gymnast. He learned different sports at the YMCAs in Brooklyn, New York.  He could walk up a flight of stairs in a perfect handstand.  He could tackle the rings and make it look easy.  His physical strength came in handy as a member of the FDNY. His gymnastics prowess is a part of our family’s lore that people who did not have the opportunity to meet him are skeptical about...until they learn we have the pictures to prove it. 

During his frequent visits, he would try to teach us how to do handstands, round-offs, headstands and more.  What was he training us for? I don't know, but they are some of my favorite memories. I am one of three girls and only one of us had the skills to complete these drills. You guessed correctly, the one with the skills was not me - it was my older sister. Now, her daughter takes after her and can do all sorts of flips and handstands. I bought her a unicorn leotard for Christmas and cherish the videos I get from her gymnastics class where she proudly dons it.

Being a sports fan before DVRs and the internet took dedication. You had to watch live. You had to time your bathroom breaks just right. Often, he would call us on our landline and say, “Girls, quick! Turn on channel 7, the gymnasts are on!”  Grandpa was our TV guide letting us know our heroes were on TV. 

He also was an accomplished swimmer.  He taught his twelve grandchildren how to swim with proper form, how to blow bubbles, and how to open your eyes underwater. He always continued teaching and playing, even if we were not showing aptitude. It was a way to bond with us, and I remember it so vividly.  Luckily enough, my father is just like him.  I get to watch my 1-year-old son experience this attention and love in the pool this summer.  It is more precious than words can convey.

Maybe this is the reason I adore the Summer Olympics so much?  Gymnastics and swimming have always been cornerstone Team USA events and both are so close to my heart because of my Grandpa.

No worries,

Jaclyn