Its always fun to see your favorite athletes out having fun. Natalie Coughlin took a break from her busy schedule to take in California Golden Bears/Stanford Cardinal football game.

This weekend my daughters had a swim meet so we spent most of our weekend at the pool. During the Saturday session I saw a swimmer on the sidelines in a wheelchair. She had her team suit on, her cap and her goggles in hand.

Immediately I was intrigued and amazed. This young lady, who looked about 14, was not letting her physical handicap hold her back. She didn’t have a parent by her side helping her with every move and she interacted with her teammates like any teen would.

I was one of the lane timers for the afternoon session. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her wheel herself to the starting blocks, maneuver herself out of her wheelchair and into the water for the start. Once she was in the water she looked so happy and free. The race started and she glided through the water like all the other swimmers. You could hear her coach giving her cues - reach, pull - and her teammates cheering her on. As she neared the wall, the entire pool was cheering for her as she finished strong.

To have the drive, dedication and sense of purpose this young lady had was simply astonishing. She is truly an inspiration!

When my kids were younger they loved Cheerios. Starting next week, maybe they will be interested in them again because Olympic gymnast, Shawn Johnson, will be on the Cheerios box. I can’t wait to see it. (I have a picture of it now - see the Shawn Johnson Cheerios box)

She also has a mini scrapbook/magazine coming out via Barnes and Noble bookstores, too. The magazine will have pictures, stories and such from her early training days until now.

I hope Shawn continues to train and compete - she is a wonderful role model for young gymnasts everywhere.

Photo - Flickr