It’s been months since I’ve mused about anything. In writing that is. Because really, I am musing all the time.
So let’s see. I spent the last several months bitching and moaning about the political crap going on in the country. It’s confusing when you can’t trust anyone on either side of the so called aisle. Maybe I’ll get back to this topic, but right now, I’m burned out about it.
I will weigh in on the Simone Biles decision. No matter why she withdrew from all her events, I think she did a great thing for her teammates. The gold, silver and bronze metals that were won by them were made possible by Simone pulling out. This is my opinion. They were able to step out in front of her huge shadow and show what they’re made of. I applaud her for letting them shine.
As for her mental health, I think (once again my opinion) that there is plenty of blame to go around. I heard a former gymnast say that she believes the sport of gymnastics is a form of child abuse. I agree with this. Years ago we would hear stories of how they were treated in the Soviet Union. We felt sorry for them. These young and small, girls were forced to practice for hours. I don’t know back in the 60s and 70s what gymnastics training was like in the USA. In the late 60s, I participated in gymnastics at my high school, but there were no teams or competition back then, just an after school thing. And the routines were nothing like they are now.
So I always go back to my initial question, “where are the parents?” When did gymnastics get so abusive towards these young girls (don’t even know about the boys). Do parents shut their eyes to physical abuse their daughters bodies go through? Do they think it’s okay because they might someday win a medal at the Olympics? Or are they oblivious to what goes on and figure it’s in the coach’s hands? And what about the M.D. who worked some type of perverse voodoo on their injured bodies? Nothing to see here? And this is where I call the girls themselves to the stand. Girls who have grown up at least from the 80s have heard a message other young girls probably never did. “Don’t let anyone touch you in your private areas, or anywhere you don’t feel comfortable.” And yet, this went on for years for so many of these young gymnasts. Did no one tell a parent or coach? Or did a parent or coach just tell them to go along with it, trust the process.,
Like usual, it usually comes back to a parent. Please be involved with your children. Please know what is going on in their lives. Puhleeze.
I was going to write about victimhood and Sven’s take on all this, but it’s time to wash a floor.
G’day mates
Musings over 50 