Dara Torres Makes Me Feel Like A Slacker

That's right. The woman not only qualifies for the Olympics at age 41, she also breaks an American record in the process. Sheesh.

Two reactions beyond just, "Whoa. Holy cow. Good grief."

Could I (or any of you -- in twenty years) have done the same? Answer: Maybe. Depends upon goals, genetics, and circumstances in life. Part of what Dara did is the result of who her parents were, but I think that is just the base. She also had to find herself surrounded by people who supported her in her athletic endeavors, people to watch her baby, help transport her to meets, open the pool for her at 3:00 a.m., and so on. Moreover, she had to give up more than anyone reading this petty little blog will ever know. Someone at her level of athleticism has no life apart from training -- little time for family, job, friends, church, and definitely, DEFINITELY, no partying of any kind -- just so you know.

Second cluster of brain matter -- would I give up what I have to be Dara or any other premier athlete? Honestly, I'm not sure that I would. I enjoy far too much my many and varied interests. I like being an athlete of a certain type, but I also love my family and get a large charge out of doing stuff with my kids. There's also the little fact of my professional life. If I were an athlete pursuing the kinds of things that Dara does, I would not be the teacher I am, the writer I am, the faculty member that I am. I know I'm not all that and a bag of chips, but I dedicate myself to my work in ways that I couldn't if I had the single-minded goals of a Dara Torres.

So, hats off to her. She's my hero of the day. I'm not sure I would necessarily want to be her per se, but I am decidedly inspired by her dedication and work ethic.