`Sticking the landing' vaults us all to better way of life
By Beth Teitell
Thursday, August 19, 2004
``Sticking the landing'' - if it's such a big deal (it's all the gymnastics commentators at the Olympics talk about), why aren't the rest of us doing it?
Well, you know what? I've started.
Yesterday I filed my column and instead of sending my usual wimpy in-house e-mail alerting my editor that my story's ready, here's what I did:
I jumped into her office (careful to keep both feet
together upon landing, no wobbling), arched my back, thrust my arms in the air
and smiled. Then I turned to face the copy desk and repeated the maneuver.
Boy, did that feel great - I got a nice stretch, a little bit of aerobic exercise and a real mental boost.
I'm surprised the gyms don't offer ``stick the landing'' classes set to Olympics music.
Oh, did I mention that on the way back to my desk I accepted kisses, hugs and high-fives from my colleagues and then sat in my chair staring at my computer screen waiting to see my ``score''?
Forget power naps - this is the deal when it comes to office rejuvenation.
Eager to learn more about sticking now that its everyday use had become apparent, I called USA Gymnastics and spoke with Bo Morris, the men's program manager (who's stuck here in the states).
He told me that while judges deduct a tenth of a point for every errant step taken upon landing, a gymnast doesn't actually earn bonus points for sticking, but, he said, ``It's a big impression thing. It's the last thing a judge sees. It's like the athlete had control over this event.''
Suddenly it all became clear. ``Sticking the landing'' is the new ``leaving on a high note.'' It's the rousing ending to a mediocre movie that makes you leave the theater eager to recommend the film to a friend. It's the witty ``thank you for the wonderful weekend'' note that erases the memory of what an annoying guest you were.
Clinton, with his last-minute pardons on the way out of office, didn't stick the landing. The Red Sox never stick theirs. The DNC, which went off without a hitch but earned the city a pittance, didn't stick its. And neither did John Kerry [related, bio] - and he didn't bounce, either.
I forgot to ask Morris if sticking can be overdone. He probably would have said ``no,'' but a professional cynic I know insists it can be. ``Think of Lance Armstrong,'' she said, ``it's win, win, win, win, win. Enough already.''
Oops. Gotta go. It's time for the victory parade out of the office and into the parking lot.
