"and the Gold Medal goes to ..."

McKenzie Rasmus-Ford of the United States!

McKenzie began gymnastics nearly a year ago and much to our delight, she loves it. She looks forward to her Saturday morning class with best friend, Ellah, every week. Two weeks ago, Kim brought Madison and McKenzie home from gymnastics and handed me a letter from the teacher. The letter turned out to be a request for McKenzie to join the invitational gymnastics team! I was tickled pink! Of course, we wondered how much this would cost in both dollars and minutes and made plans to attend the informational meeting which was held 2 days ago.

Apparently, the coaches and teachers of this junior Olympic training facility closely monitor the progress of their young students, looking for strength, flexibility, and discipline. McKenzie fits the bill! There is no competition for the first few years as the gymnists are prepared and coditioned to compete around age 7 or 8. She will continue to take class once a week for the next year and then, if still interested in the sport, she will move to twice a week. This is great news for us since funds are limited and the time committment factor is essential as we have 2 other kiddos.

I am thrilled to pieces that we have found an activity that McKenzie not only loves, but also excels. The head coach, Coach Chris, told me at the informational meeting that McKenzie has something very special about her and is extremely talented. "She could go very far in this sport if she chooses." Wow! Someone else recognized something special about my baby! I am so proud.

Did I mention the lead coach is black? BIG Brownie points in my book, though Mom keeps pointing out Coach Chris didn't arrange that to impress me. I see a roll model for McKenzie. Coach Chris is strong, powerful, motivated, and absolutely dedicated to the sport she has invested 30 years of her life. In my book, this is a win/win situation!