THEIR TURN

Strong dads and strong athletes
Notable women describe their fathers' impact

By MICHELLE HISKEY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/16/06

LAURA WILKINSON

2000 Olympic gold medalist and 2005 world champion diver

At first glance my dad, Ed Wilkinson, is a conservative, easygoing accountant with a bit of a Texas drawl. But at my diving meets he turns into an entirely different animal. One with flags and foam longhorns sticking out of his hat, sometimes wearing pom-poms to give him colorful hair, and occasionally there's a Teletubbie doll, Lala, tied to his video camera which is glued to his hand. He is definitely my biggest fan, and I am his.

My dad lost most of his hearing from the measles when he was very young and had to wear hearing aids growing up. In junior high the kids made so much fun of him that he stopped wearing the hearing aids altogether. Still, he excelled at school and worked his way through college. Due to his ear problems he never learned how to swim growing up. When I was a baby, he had a surgery that restored his hearing. So, he decided to teach himself in our back yard pool when he was in his mid-30s.

His determination and perseverance are evident in his work life too. He stood up for honesty at a job early in his career, forcing him to quit rather than do something unethical. He ventured out years later to start his own business, which he has been running successfully for about 20 years. My dad has shown me how to persevere, how to overcome, how to stand up for what I believe in, and he has shown me how to enjoy the whole journey.

2003 Women's World Cup soccer team

As a little girl in Birmingham, football played an important role in almost all families. My dad Phil had the chance to play football in college [at Virginia Tech] and even before I was walking he was preparing me to throw a football. As I got older, he explained to me that he wanted his two daughters [no boys] to redefine what it meant to "throw like a girl."

When the time came for me to play organized sports, I decided to follow in his footsteps and play football. Once he realized my brand of fútbol was a little different than his, he went out and bought as many books as he could find to learn about the game of soccer. Although he never played himself, my dad, a Georgia football fan, was always there coaching, supporting and encouraging me with his UGA megaphone in hand.

Some of my most cherished memories with my dad come from our many Chick-Fil-A dates. Over chicken biscuits and sweet tea, we would talk about what was going on in my life or maybe just do our weekly college football picks. Whenever I step on the field with the U.S. National Team, a part of my dad is there with me.

ALLYSON FELIX

Professional sprinter, 2005 world champion and 2004 Olympic silver medalist in the 200 meters

My dad has many responsibilities. He is the president of the Los Angeles Bible Training School, professor of New Testament Greek at the Master's Seminary, and at the same time preaches at various churches on Sundays. People are always coming up to me telling me what a significant influence my dad has had on their lives. I can definitely relate.

When I came out of high school, and went directly into professional track and field, I was only 17 years old and completely clueless with regard to what I was entering into. My dad was the one who stepped up and handled the intricate details that were involved in my successful transition to the pros. He has never tried to act like he knew it all, or taken on a role he wasn't qualified for. Instead he sought out the most knowledgeable individuals to come alongside of us and assist with the difficult aspects of my career.

He continues to be my advocate, making sure that I am not taken advantage of, and avidly supports me. He makes many sacrifices in order to travel the world and watch me compete.He doesn't always get a thank you and he definitely doesn't receive a paycheck for his services, but that doesn't stop him. He would simply tell you that he is doing his job, being my dad.

Olympic gold medalist swimmer

There were times were I thought that I wanted to quit swimming and I would come home crying and run to my room. My dad always talked me through it. He would tell me that swimming isn't the end of the road for me, that I was gifted and talented in so many different ways. He had the ability to make my tears dry up and put a smile on my face.

My dad has become my best friend over the years, he has taught me to stand up for myself and be in control of my life and my choices. If I didn't want to swim anymore he said that was OK, but I would have to accept the fact that I decided not to swim and tell my coaches myself. He always made me take responsibilty for my actions. I grew into a pretty decent young lady because of my dad. I would be lost without him.

CINDY GARRISON

Professional fly fisherwoman and tour guide, host of "Get Wild with Cindy Garrison" on ESPN

There are pictures of me at 2 years old, still in diapers, catching my first fish with my dad. It didn't matter how busy he was or what else he had going on, he always made time for me and my three sisters to teach a new fly fishing skill or take us camping or hunting. The time we spent together was 100 percent quality time — like there was nowhere else he'd rather be than outdoors with us.

One of the most important lessons I took away from growing up with my dad was that there was no difference between girls and boys when it came to the outdoors. Girls could do anything boys could do, and I grew up with that mentality. It's a way of thinking that has helped me excel in a predominantly male field. People might've expected me to back down because of my gender when I was out hunting, staring down a Cape buffalo or hippopotamus in the wild, but I — and my dad — knew better.

DEENA KASTOR

2004 Olympic medalist marathoner

They say track and field is an individual sport, but my dad has been my greatest teammate for the past 22 years. During youth track, I remember waking before the sun to the sound of my Dad shuffling about in the kitchen. The smell of waffles made their way into my bedroom. My dad would hand me my plate, two Eggo waffles with butter melting in each square, generously dusted with powdered sugar. My mom and sister stayed sleeping.

I would learn years later that my Dad never slept the night before my competitions. At the races, before heading to the starting line, my Dad would kneel down next to me and vigorously rub my legs. He told me it was good luck! I later found out that he could predict how I was going to race by the way my legs felt. He was looking for "jello"; that meant I was loose and relaxed.

My family continues to travel the world to watch me compete, and our tradition of waffles is no longer practiced, but the memory and appreciation of it will be forever. As for these legs, at 33 years old I continue to seek my dad out in a crowd not to get my legs rubbed for good luck, but now I ask him how he thinks I will run.

JENNIFER BARRETTA

Professional billiards player, voted one of ESPN.com's 25 sexiest female athletes in 2005 and star of the upcoming film "9 Ball"

Although I never played a game of pool with my dad, he gave me all of the lessons I needed to become one of the top female pool players in the world. Sometimes the lessons came through example. As a child it was difficult to understand why my father wasn't around much, but as an adult I see that he was driven to become the best in his field, and that it required much dedication and long hours at the office.

"You can be anything you want if you work hard enough" and "An education is the one thing that no one can ever take away from you" were two of the lessons I remember hearing the most.

When I first started playing pool I went to the pool hall every day and practiced for hours and hours. I read every book on the subject, asked for help from better players and hired a coach. I educated myself in the game.

One day someone in the pool hall asked me why I was there every day. I said I wanted to go pro, and he promptly said, "You can't go pro, these girls have been playing their whole lives!" At first I was devastated, because I knew he was right. I did start playing much later than the other girls, but eventually I remembered the lessons my father taught me. Get the education and work hard, and nothing can stop you!

MELANIE TROXEL

NHRA driver, currently the Top Fuel points leader, daughter of veteran drag racer Mike Troxel

We've always had a race car in the garage. Instead of the regular cars being parked in there, the race car was in there. The garage was just right off my bedroom. Even when I went to bed at night [there were] sounds of my dad out in the garage working on the car all hours of the night. My mom [Barb] ... did all the cylinder head maintenance. So, the combination of growing up around the sport watching my dad's commitment to that and my mom being mechanically involved in it, I think those are the reasons that I turned out the way I am.

In my early teens, when I started to get more mechanically interested in the car, they would let me take a valve cover off or take the spark plugs out. That was about the same time my dad started having some more success. In 1987 he won the U.S. Nationals, then in 1988 he followed that up with the championship. That's right about when I got my driver's license, got to do my first racing.

TAYYIBA HANEEF

USA women's volleyball

It's hard not to get into sports when you have a 6-foot-7, 250-pound athletic father. I was not always 6-7 but I was always at least a foot taller than everyone my own age growing up. Because of my height, my father got me involved in sports early on. I tried gymnastics, soccer and even twirled the baton but quickly grew out of them all.

He placed me in many different sports to build my self-confidence and coordination and I continued to be a multi-sport athlete all the way through college. While my coaches and peers lectured me on choosing one sport, my dad simply provided a shoulder for me lean on. I knew that he would support me whether I did one sport, three sports, or even none at all.

Because of this, I competed harder with more love for the game. After losing to Brazil at the 2004 Olympics, he was the first person I ran to. Tears instantly ran down my face as I felt I had disappointed him. He merely held me close and whispered that even though we didn't have the picture-perfect ending, I had accomplished an amazing feat just by being there.

And with those words, he provided me with one of the most memorable events of my life.

ALICIA HOLLOWELL

Softball pitcher for Arizona, winner of 2006 College World Series

"Don't worry, everything will work out. It always works out." This is the best piece of advice that I have ever received in my life, and it came from my Dad. He said it to me at a time when I was struggling with softball, and while he was lying in a hospital bed struggling to get healthy. ... When I told him that I wanted to be a pitcher he went out of his way to find out who the best pitching coach in the area was, and signed me up for lessons.

On the days that I didn't have lessons he would take me out, sit on a bucket, and let me hurl softballs at him. [There weren't many times that he walked away without bruises]. I admire him because he has been through so much, and he continues to be the strongest person I know.

When I was younger he used to take me out to Wendy's, buy me a Frosty, and ask me if softball was still fun for me. The answer was always "Yes!" What counted the most was that he cared enough to ask me.

MICHELLE MCGANN

LPGA golfer

My whole career my dad has been by my side. A great athlete himself he knew the toughness it took to be a success and helped me climb my way to the top. I have had many struggles with my game and my health and no matter what the outcome, he never gave up on me.

One of my greatest memories is when dad caddied for me in Japan and going into the final round we could hardly see in front of us the weather was so bad. We played through it and coming to the final hole I had a couple shot lead and a beautiful rainbow appeared. That was our first win together and one of the happiest moments for both of us.

EMILY COOK

2006 Olympic ski team member

My mother passed away when I was very young and my dad has always acted as both mom and dad for me. Through his actions I have learned everything I know: the beauty of love, perseverance and courage, and an unwavering positive outlook on life.

My dad introduced me to as many sports and activities as he could. When I found freestyle aerials I quickly became a little girl with dreams of one day competing in the Olympic Games. Occasionally parents think their children's dreams are "cute," and even unattainable. My dad took my dreams very seriously. He was never overbearing, but was always quietly and consistently my ally.From my first aerials win at 12 years old to the day I qualified for my first Olympic team in 2002, he was there.

He was also there two weeks later when I broke both feet. Dad pushed my wheelchair and watched the Games with me from the stands. My dad gracefully guided me through three years of rehabilitation and back to competition form despite his occasional desire to see his little girl remain safely on the ground.

Dad watched as I qualified for my second Olympic team. We appreciated being on opposite sides of the fence. That evening my dad brought our friends and family together and toasted our journey together. There was not a dry eye in the room, especially not my own. We've been through a lot, but we've been through it together.

STACY PRAMMANASUDH

LPGA golfer

It wasn't until my junior year of college that I decided to turn professional. Conveniently, my father was a few years from retirement, so I asked him if he would caddy for me on tour. It's been four years now and he is a great caddy and supporter. At 67 years old, he isn't enjoying his retirement much. He is out here every week with me lugging around that heavy bag just to help me succeed. It's only natural to have him on the bag since he has been my only coach or caddie. There have been many rough days and many great ones, so I wouldn't change a thing.

KATIE HOFF

Professional swimmer, three-time world champion, 2005 USOC Sportswomen of the Year, 2004 Olympian

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that my dad would support me in whatever I chose to do. When I was 5 years old, I joined a summer swim team in my neighborhood. It was always great to see his smiling, proud face after I climbed out of the water after all of my swims. As I got older and more serious about my swimming, my dad was willing to make sacrifices to financially support me to be able to swim on a year-round team.

Without his financial support, I would never have been able to swim. I will never forget how concerned my dad was about me when I was having a rough time after my first swim at the Olympics. It was amazing to have so much love and support when I was having such difficulty. He is still just as excited for me 10 years after I started the sport. When I got out of the water after winning my first world championship, I looked up in the stands and saw his smiling face just like when I first started swimming.

CAT OSTERMAN

Olympic gold medalist in softball, three-time NCAA player of the year, won Honda Broderick award for the nation's top female athlete

When I was 10 all I wanted for my 11th birthday was a pitching lesson. I begged and pleaded with my dad until he finally relented, as so many fathers do when they find their child wanting. I fell in love with the art of pitching, and together my dad and I embarked on a journey that would take us places unimaginable. It started in the back yard, dad on a bucket and me 40 feet away hurling balls pretty much everywhere but his glove.

As I progressed we ventured to the driveway. Dad even went so far as to put up flood lights and tarps on the garage door so we could practice at night. His philosophy was that if I was going to do it, I was going to do it right. He instilled many of the characteristics that have helped me reach the success I have. I never would have been so stubborn, so tenacious that I refused to quit until I reached my goals.

He has traveled thousands of miles and attended countless games, sat on a bucket for hundreds of hours, endured innumerable pain from pitches that didn't hit their mark and never once has he complained. From the backyard to the driveway, from Houston to Austin and from the United States to Athens, my dad has been there every step of the way, giving me everything I ever needed.

In that regard I am proud to say I am and will always be daddy's little girl.

HANNAH KEARNEY

Olympic freestyle skier, 2005 moguls world champion

My dad, Tom Kearney, has influenced me as an athlete starting as far back as I can remember being interested in freestyle skiing. He's been helping me train for mogul competition, whether by guiding me with a horse harness to teach me how to balance on my skis or building jumps out of snow in the back yard.

When I was in seventh grade, I qualified for my first major competition of my career on the West Coast. I was concerned about the cost of the trip, but my dad told me that the opportunity to pursue my passion was priceless and that he would use some of the family's savings to make sure I made it to that start. He supported and encouraged me without applying too much pressure.

Throughout both my personal life and my career I've made sure to surround myself with people, like my father, that believe in me, those who encourage me to achieve great things and have as much faith in me as I do in myself. I believe the term "I'll prove them wrong" only takes a person so far. I have found it's better to have those around you who want you to succeed and will help you through it all.

SARAH HARDING

Former Stanford gymnast, Ms. Fitness national titlist, now acrobat with Cirque du Soleil's production KÀ

Growing up alongside three older sporty brothers, I began competing in gymnastics, swimming, diving and dance. My dad runs marathons and since I can remember his ambition has been to run the circumference of the world in his lifetime (24,859 miles through both poles). As at June 13, he had run a total of 22,834 miles, just 2,025 miles from his goal, speaking volumes about his level of commitment.

This dedication is what taught me about the importance of setting goals and sticking to them. My father is now 65 years old and still runs 36 miles a week!

I My dad has always taught me that we're life learners — that the conclusion of one challenge can be the start of a new beginning. This ultimately led me to win Ms Fitness San Diego 2003 to bring me to the nationals, where I came in second. The very next year I won the title! When I started with Cirque du Soleil and was facing my first pre-performance jitters, my father gave me a piece of advice I still carry with me: "It's OK to get butterflies before you perform, just make sure they fly in formation."

My role in KÀ is physically demanding — I am in a number of acts and have recently taken on the finale number where I walk up a vertical wall, similar to being in the movie "The Matrix." I feel like a live action hero performing in a live video game. Throughout my life, my father has been an inspirational role model — especially in pursuing my goals in sport.

JASMINE OEINCK

U23 national champion triathlete

If you ask my dad, he will probably tell you that he can swim, bike, and run faster than I can. If you continue to have a conversation, you will realize my dad's sense of humor. He has always known what to say to really make me laugh.

He has also been one of the best training partners of my athletic career, and still is. He would always take me to "fun swim." I would swim as fast as I could away from my dad as he morphed into a shark by simply placing his hand on his hip and kicking on his side. My dad would always, and still is, be willing to go out and run with me, and he also grew found of cycling with me as well.

During my high school years, my dad and I would suit up and train. He had no serious triathlons coming up that he needed to get in tip-top shape for, but he come along just for me. He knows how to keep me positive even when training is the last thing that I feel like doing.

My dad is probably my best training partner, not because he can beat me every time we go out for a ride or run [as he claims], but because he keeps it fun for me and knows how to make me laugh. He knows how to keep this sport fun and that to me is more important than him knowing the secrets to making me run a 34-minute 10K off of the bike.

For this, I cannot thank him enough.

MEGHAN LAPETA

Alll-American triathlete

Ever since I was born, my dad has been there for me. Every time I struggled to swim, fell off my bike, and ached on the run, my dad was there. We had a deal: If I swam 20 laps of the pool, then he'd play "washing machine" with me and let me jump into the deep end of the YMCA pool. On bike rides, he'd always wear this cheesy white-foam helmet just to set an example of wearing a helmet. I never had to learn the hard way of wearing one although I've taken hits to the head and cracked the helmets I wore, but I realize now that the cracks in them could have been my skull.

"Slow down!" I'd say to him as I was gasping for air when we went running. He'd turn around and look at me as if I was molasses in February. No way would I be as fast a runner as I am now if he didn't run with me.

Because of him, I'm an elite athlete going for All-American for yet another year.

SARA McLARTY

College national triathlon winner, 15-time swimming All-American at Florida, training for 2008 Olympics

It was my dad who made my competitions possible. He was awake at 3 a.m. driving to the race site ... while we were in the back. He spent hours learning about bike mechanics to make sure ours were working perfect. He ran around the race course all day with a video camera to capture the event highlights. And he drove home at the end of the long day ... with three snoring racers in the truck.

It was on the family bike rides where he was most comfortable. For a while, he could keep up with us on an old clunker bike. When Dad couldn't keep up with us anymore, he treated himself to a custom Trek road bike. Since that purchase, my dad has become an official "roadie," lost 20 pounds, competes in road races, and is my favorite training partner because he lets me draft!

Ever time I finish a hard day of training, call home, and relate all the painful parts to Dad ... he listens with fatherly patience and care ... and then he tells me about the 86-mile ride at 21 mph he squeezed in after work and before the sun set. Those conversations remind me that I have to train hard just to keep up with my dad, let alone to be an American Olympian.