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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Dara Torres -- Go, mama, go!

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Last week I dove into the New York Times Sunday Magazine (it takes me days to read the entire Sunday section) and was wowed by the story of Dara Torres. At that point in time, she was the 41-year-old mom vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic swim team. She'd already broken three world records and retired from the sport. But she came back to try to make it to her fifth Olympic game appearance.

Over the weekend, Torres not only secured her Olympic berth, she managed to set two American records in the 50-meter freestyle (she even broke her own record, set the previous night).

And in a perfect moment of proud mommyhood, she brought her 2-year-old daughter, Tessa, with her to the awards stand.

Sure, she's a professional athlete with trainers and has a nanny to help watch her daughter. But her story still rocks (and I'm not the only one who thinks so). Here's a woman who came out of retirement after having a baby and at 41, will be the oldest female swimmer to compete in the Olympics. Ever. She even outpaced someone half her age. Go on, girl!

Most moms can't help but be inspired by Dara Torres. As a swimmer, I'm super excited to hit the pool and have zero excuses to not train. And as a mom, I'm proud to see another mom work her mojo and achieve something so awesome.

And while I'd love to know how Torres wrestles with all the regular issues we moms deal with, like mom guilt and spending enough time with her kid, I mostly just want to see her kick some ass at the Olympics in a few weeks.

Go Dara!





Related: working moms, swimming, summer olympics, sahm, middle-age, inspiration, dara torres

Syndication:

related Parenting links

  1. 1. What watching the Olympics can teach your kids
  2. 2. Dara Torres: Mom Like Us

From the Community…

Comments 1-5 of 5
  • Jen Singer, Good Housekeeping's Avatar
    Posted by Jen Singer, Good Housekeeping Mon Jul 7, 2008 5:12am PDT

    When I watched the coverage of Torres' win, the announcers were not just amazed that she's 41, but that she's a mom. Yet, they're never amazed when competitors are dads. It's just a cute photo op when the dads kiss their kids at the end of an event.

    I think that's because of what you said here, Charlene: "And while I'd love to know how Torres wrestles with all the regular issues we moms deal with, like mom guilt and spending enough time with her kid."

    Why isn't there dad guilt? Or is there?

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  • Mimi-pz's Avatar
    Posted by Mimi-pz Mon Jul 7, 2008 5:42am PDT

    Go Dara! I think that's great! Here is someone my age that can compete with athletes much younger who haven't put their bodies through pregnancy, birth, breast feeding, early morning/late night wake up calls... It's rough! I'm trying to get myself back into shape and at 41 it's tough! My body just doesn't do things it used to as easily!

    And Jen, yes, I think some dad's do feel guilty. My own dad is retired Army and he often talks about how sad he is that he missed us growing up -- you know 2 tours of Vietnam and all... And my own husband, when he has to work late or can't see the kids the the day, he really hates it. So yes, there is "Dad Guilt" -- we just don't hear of it as often!

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  • Sandy's Avatar
    Posted by Sandy Mon Jul 7, 2008 7:50am PDT

    As a mom teetering on the edge of 40, I am so excited to watch Dara kick butt! Just goes to show that 40's can rock too! Go DARA! Win you some gold, Girl!

    Report Abuse
  • choochiscute's Avatar
    Posted by choochiscute Mon Jul 7, 2008 1:16pm PDT

    She's a great inspiration and I'll be cheering for her all the way! I watched her on the Today show this morning and she seems like a great person...not to mention she's got an INCREDIBLE body for 41!! I don't remember ever looking like that even at the age of 21!!

    Report Abuse
  • Disgruntled's Avatar
    Posted by Disgruntled Tue Jul 8, 2008 8:31am PDT

    I'm a 38 year old mom so I think it's great to watch a woman in her 40's compete in the Olympics who is able to keep up with women half her age. She's definitely an inspiration for women my age.

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Comments 1-5 of 5

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