Fourth Grade Olympics

When I was in the fourth grade our class staged a mini Olympics.  We studied the different competitive events and tried to figure out ways we could reenact them on the dirt playground in back of the school. We made medals — cardboard circles covered in foil and other shiny papers.  I remember because I won the foot race and it was a huge deal to me. I beat everyone including Douglas, presumed to be the fastest runner in the class and the odds-on favorite for the event.  This was in the late 1950’s — before Title IX, before mention of equality or women’s sports. The boys all gave me the stink-eye for a few days afterwards but I didn’t care — I was proud.  At that time no sports were offered for girls either in or out of school in that little town and that was my short-lived moment of fame — I’m happy that girls today have so many opportunities.  And you never know, I might still be able to beat Douglas — maybe I’ll challenge him at the next class reunion. I’m up for defending my title.