Athletes exemplify a lot of what is best about our society. Athletes must possess a ton of self-discipline, dedication and determination to compete at a high level. One athlete with all three traits is getting a lot of attention for her unique routine.
Gymnasts are exceptional athletes who move and contort their bodies in a variety of astonishing ways. Many can also effortlessly glide through the air with unbelievable elegance and grace. College gymnast Rebekah Ripley displayed all of those and more as she performed a recent floor routine. She did so as if she was the doll Barbie.
Rebekah’s routine has been viewed more than 345,000 times on YouTube!
In the clip, Rebekah’s routine begins as she shifts her arms and legs in a very stiff, unnatural manner. Her movement really does resemble that of Barbie. Also, most of Rebekah’s routine is accompanied by, yes, you guessed it: Aqua’s 1997 hit “Barbie Girl.”
About 15 seconds in the clip, Rebekah demonstrates her skill and athleticism as she does several backflips consecutively before landing in near-perfect position and form.
Around the 50-second mark, she hilariously pantomimes a toy being turned off as her arms and head hang down toward the floor. Seconds later, she moves her body in a way that mirrors a toy powered back on.
Rebekah appears to be enjoying herself, acting as one of the most influential and recognizable dolls in history. The commentators make a similar assessment, remarking on Rebekah’s apparent joy during her routine.
As inventive as Rebekah’s routine is, a statement from one of the commentators makes her performance even more outstanding. He mentions the large, very apparent knee brace on Rebekah’s left knee.
“Quite a story. You see that knee brace,” the commentator says. “That’s two recoveries from ACL tears.”
What an awesome display of strength, athleticism and sheer determination.
1 Corinthians 9:24 “Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.”