NBC’s Coverage & Commentary of Gymnast Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman Was Unacceptable

July 30, 2012 by 23 Comments

Can we talk about something?

I love the Olympics Games – especially the Summer events. I can’t get enough of Gymnastics, of Swimming, of BeachVolleyball and Women’s Soccer. During the weeks the games grace my TV, I have them on so I can hold my breath as the athletes push their mental and physical limits, as they chase their dreams.

I watch them focus, triumph, falter and grasp for gold, silver and bronze.

I celebrate with them. I cry with them. And I respect them all – for their effort and their team spirit.

And, it is for these reasons, in part, that I am struggling with much of NBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games.

For example, take how they handled gymnasts Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman.

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Olympic Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin Talks Gymnastics, Olympic Predictions & THE Toy To Inspire Your Little Gymnast

July 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment

One of the first things I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a gymnast.  My mom was one of my first coaches.  She, too, was a gymnast as a child.  Clearly, it wasn’t something I was able to stick with long-term (I’ll spare you the details of the injury that sidelined me permanently), but every time the Olympics rolls around, my heart flutters, I alternately hide my eyes and hold my breath.

I know you are familiar with my love of the Olympic Games.

Some of the most breath-taking Olympic moments I have witnessed have happened on the beam, the floor, the vault and the uneven bars.  I saw Mary Lou Retton perform in person in 1984 in Los Angeles. But I’ve cheered from home for  Shannon Miller, Carly Patterson, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin. Every stuck landing was a victory.  Every bronze, silver or gold was extraordinary.

And now, the current U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team will compete in London. The fresh faces of Jordyn Wieber and Gabby Douglas are the names we keep hearing.  Though 5 time gold medalist Nastia Liukin did not make the team this year, she is in London to cheer on her teammates.  And the moments she experienced in San Jose a few weeks ago that kept her from making the team are now among those she considers the most important in her career.

I was thrilled to have a skype conversation with Nastia last week.  In addition to chatting about the inspiration for her career, how her parents helped to shape her path and how parents can motivate their young gymnasts, we discussed her new partnership with Fisher-Price and the launch of Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll…. one she hopes will inspire young gymnasts as well.

What Olympic events are a ‘must see’ for you?

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What I Learned From Olympian, Jake Kaminiski

July 24, 2012 by 2 Comments

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I first met Jake Kaminiski a few months ago at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California.  At the time, he was not assured of a trip to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.  As an Archer, he had yet to qualify for his spot.  Jake first picked up a bow and arrow when he was six years old and began competing when he was nine.

And though I was clearly not dressed for the occasion, he spent a few hours with me and a group of bloggers – all guests of Kellogg’s – giving us a lesson in his sport.

In that time, I learned a number of valuable lessons from this soon-to-be Olympian

There is no substitute for paying attention.  After my very first shot, Jake was able to assess what I needed to adjust simply by the direction of that initial arrow.  He made one suggestion: That I close my left eye as I shoot.  I went from missing the target entirely to hitting red and yellow.

Having a skill and being a good coach are two different things.  You may be extremely talented at a sport but unable to guide others.  Jake is both.

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Practicing your craft is key.  Jake had the Olympics in his sights and he knew that he would have to continue practicing to get there.  A lifetime of experience isn’t enough when you are faced with your dream. You must keep going.

Breathing through fear can help you to focus.  I asked Jake about the intensity and mental focus each shot requires.  He is skilled at breathing and quieting his mind – allowing him to have faith in his abilities in the moments when it is just he and the target.  A powerful metaphor for life.

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There is no point in doing something if you don’t do it with purpose.  You will even hear Jake saw this in his Kellogg’s Start Story.  He has been moving towards this moment for a lifetime.

I am grateful to Jake for the time he spent with me.  You and I both know, athletics do not come easily to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed this lesson.  I found it to be both cathartic and mind cleansing.  It is on my list of things to do again.

Thank you, Jake.  Good luck – I will be watching from here!

If you would like to follow Jake’s journey – beginning of course on Friday, July 27th at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, you can keep up with him on Twitter.

Photo Credits for 2nd and 4th pictures above: Trent Stafford

Disclosure: I am proud to say I am working with Kelloggs and was their guest for this trip.  As always, all thoughts and opinions share are mine alone.

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