Live Like a Dancing Hurdler

Unless you've been living under a rock this week you've seen the viral video of Australian Hurdler, Michelle Jenneke's pre-race dance at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona. If you are just dragging your moss covered self out here's the video:

Can you say "darling?"

Can you say "fierce competitor?"

Can you say "positive attitude and gracious winner?"

Besides her obvious good looks and stunning body she exhibits some qualities before, during, and after her race that are extremely attractive:

• She is enjoying herself.
• She is confident.
• She isn't worried about what everyone else thinks.
• She is passionate.
• She is fierce.
• She is congenial.
• She is gracious.
• She's strong.
• She emanates positive attitude.
• She exudes emotional warmth. 
• She's a good sport.

And she does all this at lightening speed.

One guy's tweet I read said "Whatever this girl has she needs to share it with the women of the world."  Interesting that he didn't say say he wanted all the women of the world to look like this. Chances are he may know some young women who are even prettier than this happy hurdler. So what is it that he thinks "women of the world" (or at least the women in his world) are lacking?

See the list above.

Now to all the bitter middle aged women and humorless feminists that are already bemoaning the fact that her looks are being focused on instead of her athletic prowess, I say GET OVER YOURSELF.  Your cynicism is showing. If you think that her fit body and cute little dance moves are all men are seeing, well...then that explains a lot.  Jealousy masquerading as feminism isn't a very attractive look on you. As a matter of fact it seems downright catty, in a pious sort of way. We really aren't allowed to celebrate a combination of attractiveness and athleticism? Fun and fitness? Competitiveness and congeniality? Strength and sexiness? You really don't see the beauty in pretty AND powerful?  Michelle Jenneke's popularity isn't just about her looks. It's about celebrating some things men will say are missing in a lot of the females they know.

See the list above.

Fortunately, as I read through comments I found more positive remarks from women than negative ones.  Any woman worth her salt would want young women everywhere to embrace all the complex aspects of themselves. Isn't that what we want for our daughters? Heck isn't it what we want for our friends and ourselves? The first thing I put on the list was that she is "enjoying herself." I don't mean that she is just enjoying the activity she is engaged in. I mean that she is literally enjoying BEING HERSELF.

"You have to appreciate anyone who enjoys themselves this much," USA Today wrote.

Yeah. And then there is that. When was the last time you saw ANYONE doing ANYTHING that looked like it made them this happy. That may be the main attraction in all of this. It is nearly impossible not to cheer on this young woman, to be happy for her and wish her well.

Maybe that is the real take away that has everyone clicking "share."

We all want to live a little more like our authentic selves.

See the list above.