Viewpoint- My ‘16’ wasn’t like hers
- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
AS 16-year-old Michelle Wie cranks a golf ball into the distance, she unknowingly falls into a picture-perfect pose, and the familiar clicks of the cameras break the silence.
Ignoring the July humidity and damp air, I stood in the crowd of at least 100 people at the John Deere Classic on Tuesday and studied Wie with a hint of admiration, but even more respect. Dressed in black pants, a purple polo and a stylish white belt, she graced the golf course with an aura of confidence. With a white glove on her left hand and golf club clenched tight, she stayed completely focused, somehow giving off the sense that she was having a blast at the same time.
As a barely 18-year-old, I spent a year at 16 not so long ago. At that point in my life, I spent my time cheering on the football team and shopping for a homecoming dress — hardly the equivalent of dodging the press or competing with professionals.
I shuffled along with fans and fellow reporters, noting that all eyes were on Michelle — all eyes at all times. A single step, arm movement or facial expression was recorded both on paper and in spectators’ minds, causing me to wonder how on earth she endures it every single day. I can only imagine being constantly followed wherever I go, being bombarded with fans, let alone keeping my composure while doing it.
As a beginner reporter, I was nervous to enter the Classic, knowing that I would be sharing a room with media from all over the world. But I caught myself thinking, “How must Michelle feel?” Wie, too, is a beginner, only on a much larger scale.
I caught my final glimpse of the young star as she flawlessly answered the media’s questions, giving apologies to persistent reporters on her way out.
Her “cool, calm and collected” attitude amazed me, only giving me more incentive to root for her until the end.
Olivia Moran graduated from Bettendorf High School last month and will attend the University of Iowa in the fall.
del.icio.us
Digg
NewsVine
Fark
reddit() comments
» More Sports Stories
Highest Rated Articles from the last 7 Days
- Audi S5 News Articles
- Free Stories from S5 Experts Spy Photos, Videos, Breaking News.
- www.InsideLine.com
- Article Submission Service
- Affordable Article Submission Service to at least 125 article sites.
- article-hut.com
- 2008 Diet Of The Year
- Amazing Chinese Weight Loss Secret. Seen On CNN, NBC, CBS & Fox News.
- www.Wu-YiSource.com
- Ads by Yahoo!
