What does it feel like to… fly?

I look back on my gymnastics career with mixed emotions, considering the long-term damage the sport did to my body.  But my gymnastics experience was full of good things, too.

For instance, even after all this time, I can still remember how it felt to… fly.  Taking off for a leap, and rising, rising, rising, until you reach the very top — and then being suspended in the air for just a fraction of a second.  Seriously, there’s nothing like it.

I’ve tried to compare this “flying” experience to others, like jumping on a trampoline or off a diving board, but it’s just not the same.  I’ve also tried to compare this feeling with the effects of different drugs, and again, it’s just not the same.

Ah, to be young again…  to be able to ignore pain… yeah, those were the days. 🙂

(Photo:  Gabrielle Douglas)