A more beautiful combination of music and sport would be hard to find when compared to Lolly Barnsbee’s chilling skate routine set to Carly Waddell’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
We most often think of Judy Garland singing this classic song while portraying Dorothy Gale in the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz. But, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has been recorded by several amazing artists, including Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, Willie Nelson, Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole, Ariana Grande, Katharine McPhee, and Carly.
Carly’s 2019 recording is part of her extended play record entitled “Dream Train,” which includes a few lullabies. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is one of those timeless tunes that leaves arms tingling and souls singing.
Even though Dorothy may have wanted to be anywhere but Kansas, those watching Lolly’s performance at Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado were likely thrilled to be right there! Lolly, at 10 years old, is a Juvenile U.S. Figure Skater and training for the Olympics—clearly quite an athlete and an artist!
Lolly spins and jumps and glades across the rink, and we see the lovely rainbow pattern peek out from the under-side of her sky blue skirt. Her routine seems effortless, and she gives a little smile at the conclusion of her performance. And, one wonders what great things this little girl will do.
After singing the most remembered song from The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy falls into a deep sleep and is literally blown away, house and all, to another world. She learns lessons traveling the yellow brick road with her companions, who have a hard time tapping into their personal resources of heart, brains, and courage.
On the other hand, young Lolly is already sharing her gifts with the world. What a blessing that is! As she skates, we are also blown away by the performance of this young girl who surely has learned the value of hard work and of the talents God has given her.
“We have different gifts, according to t