This past weekend was full of many delights at the Olympics. I cheered along with everyone else over Michael Phelps’ achievement, but another story has also stood out so much for me, the story of Dara Torres. She is a 41 year old swimmer, who came out of retirement in order to go for the gold one more time. She became the oldest Olympic swimming medalist in the Games. She came away winning three silver medals and these were her 10th, 11th, and 12th medals in her career. She has now competed in five Olympics. Her story to me simply says to never put limits on yourself and to go for what you want. She has inspired many women, but I also feel that hers is simply a human story of continuing to challenge ourselves, whatever our age.
Also this weekend, Madonna made news as she celebrated her 50th birthday. Brit Boy and I are supposed to be going to see her on this coming Saturday and we are excited. I think it is great that she is still doing what she wants to do. I hope to still be doing my thing, whatever that turns out to be, at 50. (smile)Fifty is not old these days, but I heard this one entertainment report over the weekend and they had guests saying their two cents about her. Basically, one of them said that she should just take a bow and sit down now that she is 50. What silliness. Madonna has outlasted many and she is still going, so I say good on her. It is up to her to decide when she wants to stop, not some pundit. So I say rock on Madonna!
This weekend these two women celebrated a moment in their lives and have shown me, that age ain’t nothing but a number. We should all go for what we want, whether we are a woman or a man, no matter how many birthdays we have been fortunate to celebrate.
10 comments:
I think it is important that we as women never give up on our hopes, dreams and talents just because we add another year to our lives. I was jumping for joy when Torres won silver.
I agree. I just think that we get better as we add on those years. I was so proud of Dara. I have printed out stories about her to look back at whenever I need a boost. Thanks for dropping by.
Dori :-)
I think it is wonderful that both of these women continue to live their dream. At this point I am sure that Madonna doesn't need the money and that she truly enjoys the work. (If she does need the money well that is a shame.)
Yep, I agree. Age shouldn't limit anyone -- within reason. So long as Madonna can sing and Torres can swim, I hope to see them both for a long time.
On the flip side, when you have an athlete who is clearly past his/her prime and can't compete anymore, but they won't stop trying... that can be heart-wrenching.
Mekhismom,
You are right. I think that we all should go for our dreams. I also imagine that if you are doing something that you really want to do,then it feels less like work. As a side item, I have actually gone to the village where Madonna has her country house here in Wiltshire. It's a lovely spot in the world. :-)
Susan,
I agree that age should not limit us, within reason. And you are right about cases when some athletes don't know when to stop. It can be very sad.
I thought of you this morning. I saw an interview with Torres on the news.
That's great. She has accomplished a lot, along with all the other Olympians. I can't believe that this Olympics is almost over.
I was thinking of these two women this week. It is wonderful to be aging with style.
Tammy,
You're right. Both of them are aging with style and are re-writing the rules. Thanks for stopping by.
Dori :-)
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