Gymnastics Might Not Have

GYMNASTICS MIGHT NOT HAVE achieved its popularity with American sports fans without the accomplishments of Cathy Rigby. But despite her success, the gymnast harbored a longtime secret.

At age 15, the Los Alamitos, California, native garnered a berth on the 1968 Olympic squad and placed 16th overall in Mexico City. However, at the 1970 World Championships in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, Rigby made history for the United States.

No American, male or female, had ever medaled in international gymnastics competition. But performing on the balance beam, the 4-foot-11-inch, 95-pound athlete posted scores of 9.70 and 9.35 for a 19.05 total. Her rating earned a silver medal on the beam. Rigby finished 15th overall with a 74.45 that led the United States to seventh place in the team standings at 360.20.

Although hopeful at the 1972 Munich Games, Ribgy failed to medal but improved to tenth and brought new excitement and interest to the sport. She retired from competition following the 1972 Olympics to become a sports commentator as well as a television and theater actress.

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POINT After gymnastics Rigby appeared to be a happily married mother enjoying a successful career, but her life teetered. Like many gymnasts who maintain a slight body needed for competing, she suffered from an eating disorder. But in the early 1980s, Cathy recognized her problem, got the help she needed, and overcame the potentially fatal condition.

Even though many people didn’t know Cathy Rigby’s secret, God did. He knows all our secrets. He’s available to listen to our heart and has prepared Christian friends, family members, pastors, and professionals to help.

GOAL! Do you or somebody you know suffer from an eating disorder? Maybe you’re hiding other secrets from your parents or friends. Praise God for knowing all about you and caring about all the details of your life. Then ask him to give you the courage to share your troubles with people who love you and can help you.