A Parent’s view of our nation’s treasures

Contributor: Carrie Spender, Tumbl Trak Education Coordinator

In my home, one of my most prized possessions is this US Olympic Team Flag. It travels with me on all of my Tumbl Trak adventures, and accompanies my girls to their meets and camps in the hopes we will meet an Olympian who might honor us by adding their name to our treasure.  

Every day, from the flag hanging in our living room, Jordyn, Bart, Elise, Shannon, Bridget, Kim, and 35 others remind us of the strength, grace and perseverance of extraordinary human beings...and the desire to pursue gymnastics dreams.

In recent weeks, I have wept with the world for the sport of gymnastics, and the suffering of so many athletes.

As the athletes’ stories unfolded, I couldn’t help but think of my own girls and wonder, do they feel safe? Do they feel like they have a voice?  

Social media started the conversation that my girls and I would continue. I began by asking them what they knew, and how much they understood about what was happening. I could see they were concerned, confused, and didn’t quite know what questions to ask. Looking at their innocent faces, I could not hold back the tears as we talked about the athletes, the sadness, and the sport that they (we) love.

These days, I still turn to the flag as a reminder of the strength of extraordinary human beings, and to hold on to the responsibility I now carry to help ensure that the sport improves, thrives and continues to honor the legacy of those who provided dreams to so many. The future of gymnastics is now - we begin anew in support of our current and aspiring champions. I can hardly wait to add their names to my flag...#WST - (we stand together).