Olympians

With worldwide spectators—or, at least people in the United States—recently transfixed by Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles performing wondrous athletic feats on a 4-inch wide balance beam, I was reminded of this image made in Vietnam. Although it is not suspended 4.1 feet above ground and they are not executing flips or spins, these two young girls display impeccable balance and dexterity every day without receiving applause.

Making their way on mud hummocks that undulate like headless snakes through the watery rice fields, they carry the fruits of their day’s labor: a cluster of rice plants in each hand. I adore their skirts for the color contrast to the landscape and the vividness of their shirts. Most of all, the second girl’s boldly lifted foot and tipped torso, to me, represent everything about being a young girl.

What does that mean? It means that while moving along the slippery surface with the grace of a pro athlete, she is still willing to take a dare. Will she tumble Into the water, or regain her uprightness and move forward? I see also that she is a hard worker and clever. She has gathered sizable bundles and keeps a tight grip on them, using the rice plants to counterbalance her risky posture. Most importantly, while maintaining the discipline necessary to accomplish her tasks, she declares an independent, unleashed spirit. Where do I see individual freedom expressed? It is in her colorful skirt or the brilliant aqua shirt, a person might guess. But I see it in her hair. Unlike the girl in front, her locks fly loose from ponytail bindings. For all of these things I see or imagine, she is my Olympian hero.