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| Gold medalist Alysa Liu |
I love this image of Liu who won gold in figure skating at the Winter Olympics this week. It's an image of exuberance (google defines that as filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement.). Related words: buoyant, jaunty, euphoric, joyful, elated, effervescent, vivacious, blithe. Exultant.
I admire the performance, of course, but also the spirit.
Her story, endlessly referenced on the coverage, is about how she retired at 16, then returned. This time is just for herself! *cue the soaring music*
To me the story is about what seems to be a total lack of any trace of nerves. While other skaters (and skiers, etc) looked grim, stolid, focused, chanting mantras to calm themselves down. Performed smiles that are more rictus than joy. She is doing what she is called to do without any hesitation, self-doubt, cringing, hiding.
This in itself, didn't win the gold medal. The next 3 places in the event, all Japanese women, were the stoic, grim, and highly successful.
She reminds me of "free solo" climber Alex Honnold in his "nervelessness." In interviews, he seems almost confused when asked about being nervous. It seems like he just didn't get that gene.
Confident, sure, nerveless... as opposed to a more macho version of confidence.
Effortless confidence.
On This Day (02/17):
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