In a previous diary I mentioned underdog Oksana Chusovitina, a 33-year-old mother competiting in Women's Gymnastics for the German team. Oksana is originally from Uzbekistan, but moved to Germany in 2002 to seek treatment for her young son who had been diagnosed with Leukemia.
Oksana began competing with the German gymnastics team and using her prize money to pay for her son's treatment. She also received gifts and donations from other gymnasts around the world. Her son's treatment was successful and he is now in remission.
In 2006 Oksana officially became a citizen of Germany, where she ultimately earned a spot on the Women's Gymnastics team for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. During the Women's Gymnastics prelims Oksana qualified to compete in the individual events on the vault. Last night she took silver in the event.
Oksana is competing in an event dominated by 16 and 17 years olds (assuming you buy that the Chinese "women" are 16). Her accomplishment, earning a silver medal at the age of 33, is a remarkable one.
At 32 I sometimes feel like I am too old to do the things I want to do. Oksana Chusovitina has become my new hero, although she still has to share the stage with Michelle Obama.
So here is to Oksana Chusovitina, 33-year-old silver medalist and a true fighter.