If you were like me, you were up late watching the Women’s Gymnastics and rooting our gals on as they competed to advance to the All Around Final as well as Team Finals.

Madison loves gymnastics and she so excited that she got to stay up late with her mommy and daddy and observe in awe how those little girls fly through the air doing twists and turns that would certainly break this old lady’s back! I won’t lie to you when I say I certainly envy their athletic ability. I am pretty agile, but not that much!

Last night, we watched as 2 girls advanced to AA Finals….and 1 girl did not.

We all jumped up and down for Alexandra Raisman and for Gabby Douglas. They worked hard and earned their spot in the final.  So excited for these two!

We watched as she immediately began to cry in front of millions as her dreams were shattered.  Her friends and teammates went forward, and she failed to do so.

We watched as she tried to leave the stadium to go and get herself together, but was forced to fulfill interview obligations.

I observed online how folks were angry she didn’t immediately congratulate her teammates. That she should have done this and that.  That she was a sore loser.

Let me remind you…..she is 17.

Still a young girl.

I personally know how it feels to experience defeat and to lose. It has happened to me many times. It is part of growing up but still.  To a kid, it can be crushing.

We can go on and on about what she should have done. We all know what she should have done.

Yes. She should have excused herself. Yes, she should have just congratulated her teammates. Perhaps she should have sucked it up for the team.

But she chose to be human. And cry. That doesn’t make her a poor sport.

That makes her a little girl who is heartbroken over the loss of a dream.

And it’s okay to cry.

Did you watch any of the Olympic events last night?  What were your thoughts?

Tiff~