Family drama at the Olympics
The family drama at these Olympics has been just as riveting as the trying to guess the Chinese gymnasts true age. I’m thrilled that Nastia Liukin won the gold in the All-Around, and Shawn Johnson came in a close second. Both are champions.
Nastia’s father’s backstory — how he lost the Olympic gymnastics gold by a sliver to his Russian teammate 20 years ago — has been a part of every media report on her victory. While I can appreciate a parent’s pride in watching their child fulfill a goal that elluding him, I find these quotes in USA Today’s story slightly disturbing.
To this day, Valeri Liukin talks about the minor mistake he made, swinging his arms on a dismount to regain his balance, that cost him gold.
“She fixed my mistake,” he said.
Said Liukin: “It makes it even more amazing knowing that … 20 years ago, my dad competed in the ‘88 Olympics. He was so close to winning that all-around gold medal. … I hope I made up for that. And I hope he feels just as proud as I am of it.”
In several news accounts, Nastia’ father has said how his daughter completed his dream, how she fixed the mistake he never got over. And Nastia has seen her achievement as way to redeem her father’s glory. Shouldn’t this be just about Nastia’s moment? If she had won silver (No. 2 in the WORLD, mind you), would she have somehow disappointed herself and her father? When ever parents start living vicarously through their children’s achievements, it can’t be healthy for the kids.
I wish Nastia’s dad would let her enjoy her moment for what it means to her — not because it completes his 20-year-old Olympic hang up.
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook and political blogs. 
Aisha, is there something you want to share about your childhood? =P
Anyway - Per the commentary last night Nastia’s parents did not push her into gymnastics.
Mike,
I saw that, too — that they actually didn’t want her to go into gymnastics, but eventually relented. But after everything that young girl battled through, I wish she didn’t sound like her accomplishment was just an extension of her dad’s.
And, ha ha about the childhood…My parents signed me up for tennis lessons when I was 9. I was voted “best sportsman.” I don’t think I won a single match!
I think that this is a very small minded view of Nastia and her father’s and her fathers comments. He is proud of her and what she did through his training; she is proud of what he has taught her to do and what she executed. They are both proud of the accomplishment of winning the GOLD. Neither of them said anything about Nastia not mattering or not being completely responsible for this accomplishment. So what if he lives vicariously through his daughter in this event? He trained her to be better than he was. He is proud of HIS acheivement of training her AND of his daughter doing something amazing.
Aisha maybe if you would have won a match or two you wouldn’t have such a jaded view of winners.
Actually, I think Nastia enjoys the moment far more than you seem to credit her. Not only did she accomplish her goal for gold, but she also reached the pinnacle that her father never did. It’s like she doubled the return of her investment as a result.
She certainly seems to be enjoying her achievement. It just makes me cringe when I see parents trying to live their dreams through their kids. That’s a lot of pressure. Thankfully, she won the gold!
Goneape, I think it would be have fun to win a few more matches. I refuse to play against my husband because I know it will be a repeat of 5th grade. It’s never fun to lose!