Ashley Priess - What Our Sport Needs
I just read the article on the International Gymnast site about Ashley Priess’ decision to retire during training at the US National Championships. Always impressed by her gymnastics, and her coach as well, I admit I was quite curious as to what caused her to decide to step away from the Olympic Selection process mere weeks before the Games. Citing a chronic back condition which she feared would not survive the Summer, Priess decided to forgo her dream of the Olympics in order to pursue another dream: competing on a collegiate team. She did not want to jeopardize her collegiate chances by overworking her back in the Olympic Selection process.
Two quotes in particular stand out from the interview. The first is in regard to her family.
“They have always told me throughout this entire process that they would stand behind me and love me no matter what the final finish was for me,” she said. “They have definitely stayed true to their word and I am so thankful for them.”
This is what parents of athletes should strive for. It can be so difficult for a parent to make wise and healthy choices with and for their children, especially when Olympic (or other equally large) dreams are in the mix. For a child to be able to walk away from an Olympic dream like Priess did takes incredible maturity, perspective, and strong family support. Many athletes would have pushed through out of fear of their parents’ reaction. Parents have to sacrifice a lot for a child who is an elite level athlete and the lines are so often blurred. It can be difficult for a parent to keep perspective and continue to help guide their child through the process in a way that is life-giving and affirming for the child as a whole person, not just an athlete.
The second quote that stood out to me was this:
“I have been anticipating a college career for so many years,” she said. “I can’t wait to be a part of a true team. I’m excited to experience things that I never had the chance to during high school. I am looking forward to meeting new people, having teammates and enjoying the sport that I have loved for so long.”
Again, Priess exhibits maturity and perspective beyond her 18 years. The Olympics do not make a person happy or whole. Few athletes can see beyond their Olympic dream. Many believe that the Olympics would be worth it no matter what the cost. Our sport needs more women like Ashley Priess. We need more athletes who can see the big picture and make wise and healthy choices that might not include the Olympics, but allow them to thrive just the same.
Agree? Disagree? What do you think of Priess’ sudden retirement?
June 13th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I think the way she did it was bad and I think it may have hurt Mary Lee Tracey whom I have a lot of respect for. But I think it needed to be her decision to retire. Good for her for not letting herself be bullied by USGA
June 13th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Well we have one!!!!!
SHAYLA WORLEY
will make the team
June 13th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Ohhh…and Nastia won’t do the yurchenko 2 twists which I think is stupid because I’ve seen her do it and she does it very well……………
but at least SHAYLA WORLEY will
June 13th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Good for Ashley for doing what is best for HER. So often athletes, especially young athletes, let themselves get bullied into doing what everyone else wants. I wish her all the best in college gymnastics.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Good for Ashley, she made the right choice, i would support her even if she walked out in the middle of the competition. I dont care for MLT’s feelings at all. Lucky enough this girl knew when to stop before major damage was done to her back.
June 14th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I agree with your thoughts and her decision. College gymnastics looks like a lot of fun (plus I’m sure she’s on a full scholarship) and not something she’d want to miss out on. I once read a gymnast’s myspace page where she made a crack about being in a wheelchair by age 30 and although a bit exaggerated, I’m sure feelings like that went through ashley’s mind.
Kinda feel bad for MLT though- she came so close to getting another athlete to the olympics! I hope she’s not resentful towards her.
June 14th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
It was bizarre how she came to the meet and then quit. Admit that.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
My point is obvious, and it’s obvious to any athlete: you don’t train that hard for that long and give up your dream of the Olympics just to do something that may be “fun.” If her back couldn’t withstand four weeks of training for the Games, how is it supposed to withstand four years of competitive collegiate? There is some underlying issue here that isn’t being disclosed, and I think a lot of that has to do with, despite her team Worlds medal in 2006, the competition so close to the games just got to be too intense. There is no way that she would have made the team anyway against the current members. She is the next Shayla Worley and Hollie Vise–close, but not close enough, even without injuries. So she graciously backs down. Mattie Larson, Jana Bieger, Corrie Lothrop, Ivana Hong–girls who knew they weren’t ready but stayed in the competition anyhow–these are girls that showed strength and perseverance and a love of the sport. These are the girls that you’ll be seeing again as we near the 2012 Games. These are the girls who give grace to the sport and understand the competitiveness required to compete at such a level. People remember Olympians past, but they won’t remember somebody on a team from a no-name Southern school. It just has to make you wonder.
July 6th, 2010 at 6:07 am
Bonjour, un grand bravo pour votre publication. je vous souhaite bonne continuation.