The Little Gymnast was one of my favorite books when I was younger. I read it several times, imagining what it would be like to be young Anda, a talented gymnast whose parents didn’t have enough money to continue her lessons. (Don’t worry – there was a scholarship.)
Later, of course, I would know exactly how that felt, when my parents could no longer afford to pay for my dance lessons. Well, except for the part about being talented. I’ve got rhythm, but I don’t really think I would have been a SYTYCD contender.
I did take gymnastics when I was 4 – before I read this book a dozen times. The girl who lived across the street was a cheerleader, and she taught us how to do cartwheels and backbends in her parents’ basement. Every time I hear Toni Basil, I think of those lessons.
Of course, I was quick to abandon my gymnast dreams when my parents said the next summer, “You can play t-ball or take more gymnastics lessons. It’s one of the other.” So, T-ball it was.
But two years ago when I volunteered to do some PR for Dragon Gymnastics (home to 2004 Olympic gymnasts, Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool) and the 2006 US Classic, I was reminded of my young love for gymnastics. I loved being a part of the world of vaults and mats and chalk and beams, if even for a brief time and behind the scenes. What those girls do is amazing!
And yes, Chelley, I will give Iowa props for sending Shawn Johnson to the 2008 Olympics. I was rooting for Kansas City’s own Ivana Hong, but Shawn was amazing in China. And I know she did Iowa proud!
I totally had that book! I too was an aspiring gymnast but quit at the point I was supposed to start competing (which was 4th grade–that’s scary!). Pretty hard to become a gymnastics superstar if you’re not going to go to competitions. But I wasn’t willing (nor were my parents willing) to give up every weekend to travel around the state to compete. Why can’t kids just do things for fun?
BTW, did you ever read the Gymnasts book series? I had several of those too.
You have such a cool job!
why t-ball over gymnastics?
I don’t remember. Maybe because I knew it’s what my parents wanted. Maybe because I could never master the backbend. Either way, I’m glad I made the choice. Obviously I wasn’t built for gymnastics. Plus, I met one of my best friends on that t-ball field.
Amber – the book must be out of print. I really had to search to find the picture. I didn’t read the series, though. I bet I’d have liked it! And you’re right – kids don’t seem to do much for JUST fun these days!!
Thanks, honormom. Although this wasn’t actually for work. I volunteered with a friend from work, so I guess it’s still connected!