BLOG 93 SERENA WILLIAMS

BLOG 93 SERENA WILLIAMS

There are certain sports figures that I grew up and watched and instantly I wanted to be in their shoes. Serena Williams was one of those people. Unbeknownst to me, on a middle school field trip (probably mid 1990s), I saw her play live at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad. All the great stars were there, but this was before the rise of women’s tennis. And yes, I got her autograph. And no, I didn’t save it. On my quest to accomplish great feats in the fitness industry, Serena Williams in one gal I can look up to. 

My favorite quotes of hers: “I’m a perfectionist. I’m pretty much insatiable. I feel there’s so many things I can improve on.” (www.biography.com/people/serena-williams-953). 

Serena was born in 1981 in Michigan. She was the youngest of 5 daughters. Her family relocated to Compton, CA and it was there since the age of 3 she started playing tennis. Her father, Richard, took to seeing his 2 youngest daughters, Venus and Serena, excel in the tennis world. And why in the world would Richard Williams move his family to Compton at a time when gang activity was at an all-time high?? Well, he wanted to expose his daughters to what could happen to them “if they did not work hard and get an education” ((www.biography.com/people/serena-williams-953). Their tennis training, however, led them to Florida. 

In the early 90s, Serena drew great attention to herself in the junior United States Tennis Association Tour. So much so, that in 1995 she turned pro. Today, she is currently tied for the most Grand Slams singles titles in the Open Era (22). (www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-20). 

After watching, Serena (2015), I was even more impressed by her class, work ethic, and drive to succeed. The pressure she underwent, the rivalry with her sister, and her fight against time (aging), showed me that the drive to succeed and the passion to pursue your goals, makes any endeavor possible. And she is STRONG!!!! Just look at her. I’m watching this movie and the moment I thought to myself how awesome her arms looked and how physically strong she was. The movie mentioned the body shaming she received. She didn’t look like the typical tennis player, but that doesn’t mean she used steroids or looked like a man. I respect a strong woman, and although the comments bothered her, she never let them second guess her curves, muscles and what she called “extra baggage”. 

I’m not a tennis player, but I’m a competitive female who wants to excel. Serena Williams is an inspiration to me. And I finish this Blog with her favorite poem by Maya Angelo, which certainly resonates with me every day. (http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/still-i-rise/).

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.