If Gymnastics Were Any Easier...

When I was in middle  school, I had a t-shirt that finished this sentence, "... it would be called FOOTBALL." I wore it often, and wore it proudly. With that t-shirt and along with my big bangs, tight bun, and 372 clippies in my hair, I was the real deal.

I do not wear that beloved t-shirt anymore- possibly because I have grown up, or grown out it, or because you cannot even see the saying anymore because of endless wear. I'll let you be the judge of that. But though it has been years since I have pulled this t-shirt over my head, its sentiments are ever close to my heart. And after last weekends gymnastics Olympic Trials, I am once again convinced that gymnastics is the hardest, most intense, most exhilerating sport there is.

This was confirmed last weekend as I watched Nastia Liukin attempt to do what no All-Around gold medalist has done in over 20 years- merely return to the Olympic Games! Her fall from the bars on a relatively easy release move (for her- clearly not for me or you:)), ended both her Olympic dreams and her career.  Unlike many other Olympic Sports, the reigning Olympic Champion would be nowhere in the arena just a short for years later!

As a tribute to Nastia, and to all of us who have loved this great sport. Here are some of my favorite gymnastics moments, and further confirmation that gymnastics is harder than your sport!

And for all you nay-sayers out there... can you do this?!?!

Hurry Up London... I cannot wait!