Article September 5, 2011 Issue

For the love of sports

By Carrie Corrigan

I remember taking gymnastics as a very young girl. During one session we were to bend over backward and flip over a big foam block. I was scared, and told the instructor I couldn’t do it. He had me look up on the wall and read a sign that said, “Not I can’t . . . I can!”

I wanted to believe him, but just couldn’t, and I refused to try the flip. Too many physical and mental barriers stood in the way.

That was where my aversion to sports began. Sure, there were a few attempts along the way—one season of basketball, and another of lacrosse—but I soon persuaded myself I didn’t have any natural ability for sports, and gave up. I decided I was simply not athletic and should stick to what I felt comfortable with—art and dance—and from that point on, I didn’t give sports another thought.