Eighteen-year-old gymnast Aly Raisman is representing the United States in the 2012 London Olympics, but one cameraman caught the show her parents put on in the stands. Lynn and Rick Raisman really get into watching their daughter’s performance -- really, really get into it.
I think it’s adorable. I love hearing stories of involved, encouraging parents, and Aly’s are most definitely supportive of her budding athletic career. As the Olympian competed in the team qualifiers today, NBC captured her parents watching with what we’ll call exuberance.
Mom Lynn bobs and weaves in her seat, shouting the occasional, “Come on, Aly!” or “You got it, Aly!” to her daughter. Her contortions are reminiscent of the bowler that wills the bowling ball back to the center of the lane when it veers toward the gutter -- as if she could get Aly to “stick it!” by the sheer power of her brain.
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Dad Rick joins in with the wincing about half way through, and together with his wife, they lean backward and forward in unison, obviously hoping and praying that Aly doesn’t mess up. By the time she’s finishing up, her parents are literally on the edge of their seats, and when she sticks the landing, they both scream, “Yeah!” and dad jumps out of his seat with a triumphant fist pump. Then they both collapse with sighs of relief and dad offers the crowd one last cry of victory.
I love that the cameraman caught this moment of parenting intensity. I can only imagine how much the Raismans have invested in their daughter’s success -- it takes an incredible amount of time, money, and commitment to raise an Olympian, and now the stakes are even higher for Aly. She made the team, but wasn’t expected to qualify for the all-around. That changed when reigning world champion Jordyn Wieber took a step out of bounds and lost her place to compete in the all-around competition.
Sad news for Jordyn, but exciting news for Aly, who is obviously no longer overshadowed by the superstar and on track to make a name for herself. No wonder her parents are so intense -- it’s a whole new game now.
Good luck, Aly! I’ll be watching for you ... and your awesome parents.
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Comments 22
I LOVED these parents. The love they have for their daughter just shines through.
That ticks me off too Pony. Why did they change that ruling?
i loved it...i esp. loved that they caught her say the forboden F bomb when it was all done LMBO!! that would have sooo been me!! these parents that made it over there are esp. blessed because i dont think all the parents could afford to go.. and that is heartbreaking .. wheres the STIR story on those poor parents???? :(
Yes Michelle, what are you talking about? Jenny LOVED it. Go and re-read the post.
What I think is sad is yet another internet reporter using salacious titles to draw readers. What is it about our society that this could not have been titled supportive parents, or the ups and downs of parenting an Olympic athlete? Really? Aly's performace wasn't overshadowed by her parents. Every parent out there with children in a sport of some kind, or in a play, or singing a song.....will bob and weave or mouth the words along with their child. It's human nature to be involved with your child. How about we try humanity for once. Try praising the parents for their devotion to their child. That's one for the books.
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Danyel, they're "on something"?? Haven't you ever watched your kid compete/perform in something that he/she busted butt for? I know when my son is playing baseball, I'm right there with him, swinging, running, and catching. Same with his Taekwondo competitions. I'd sway and twitch as he fought. To each his own, I guess.
for sure if my child ever got to the Olympics I would be helping and watching my child !
I saw it on tv and giggled at the dad...bless his heart he could barely stay in his chair. It has to be amazing to have your child in the olympics I mean it's one of the oldest competions in the world... Hugs and prayers for her and the rest of the Olympians and their parents.