Lynn Raisman talks about Aly's vision

Posted by   08/02/12, 8:51am

Straight from the Olympic games in London, Lynn Raisman, mother of Team U.S.A. gymnast, Aly Raisman talks about how she once thought she'd never have to experience the fear of watching her daughter perform on beam in the Olympics and how proud she is of Team U.S.A.

Arriving at the venue for team finals was a little easier than for qualifying. The girls had done so great the first night, so we knew gold was possible. Still, it is the Olympics, so of course we were nervous for the girls. After the first rotation they knocked out three of the highest scoring vaults, especially McKayla! Bars went off without a hitch too. And then came beam, always a little nerve racking for a parent, but the girls sailed through that as well. Team USA led the whole way! Floor is an amazing event for USA so I felt great going into floor. The girls knocked out three of the best floor routines, all scoring above a 15 to win team gold ahead of Russia by more than 5 points.

 Ever since I can remember I have been hooked on the Olympics. I'm always glued to the TV watching all the amazing athletes. In 2004, Aly and I watched Carly Patterson compete in the AA competition. Aly had just competed as a level 6. I was so nervous watching Carly's beam. She nailed a perfect routine and I breathed a sigh of relief. I told Aly, I was so nervous for Carly that I couldn't imagine how her mother was doing it.

"Thanks goodness I will never I have to do this," I told her.

She looked at me and said, "You don't think I'm going to be there someday?"

She was pretty irritated with my comment. I told her I never knew her goal was to make it to the Olympics and I assured her if she wanted to do it I had faith in her. Truthfully, I didn't take her seriously.

Now here we are. Aly and her coaches always had a vision. A vision I sometimes didn't understand. I worried she was training too hard and missing out on too many things. But Aly and her teammates (and their coaches) see things differently than the rest of the world. They pursue their goals with laser like precision. I have every confidence that more than Olympic gold lies ahead for these young women.

Lynn Raisman talks tears and cheers

Posted by   Posted 07/30/12, 12:51pm

Straight from the Olympic games in London, Lynn Raisman, mother of Team U.S.A. gymnast, Aly Raisman talks about the rollercoaster of emotions she and other parents and families members experienced during competition day.