Olympic athletes celebrate their moms

Moms of Olympic athletes still have to tell their kids to clean their room, do their homework, and eat their broccoli, just like the rest of us. But there’s no denying that they also have a special bond with their kids, one that comes from watching them discover their passions and follow their dreams to the highest level. With the London Olympic Games now just weeks away, we spoke to gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Jordyn Wieber, weightlifter Sarah Robles, taekwondo competitor Diana Lopez, and decathaloner Ashton Eaton about what it has meant to have their moms by their side as they were on their way to becoming the Olympic athletes they always wanted to be. We also asked their devoted moms what they most admire about their dedicated and talented kids. Helpful hint: Find some tissues before you watch this video.


Each of the athletes we spoke with was once a little kid, unsure of their abilities but full of enthusiasm, with a mom who packed their gear and cheered them on from the sidelines. Yes, the athletes deserve the credit for their formidable accomplishments, but they all say that they would not have been able to meet their goals without their mom. For the hours spent driving their kids to practice, comforting them, traveling with them, and rooting for them, Procter & Gamble has been giving Olympic moms the props they deserve with a campaign called “Thank You, Mom.” Last month, P&G announced that it would give the mother of each of the nearly 800 Team USA Olympians and Paralympians a $1,000 Visa Rewards Card so the moms could watch their kids compete in person. An invaluable gift, to be sure.

Hard work aside, Ashton Eaton's mom Roslyn, says her job is the best one in the world. And it comes with a unique job description: “The moms teach their kids how to go out and slay the dragon," she says, "but then they pack 'em a lunch, too.”

Check out the latest from The Thread below.


Chrissy Teigen's Tips for a Hot Summer Body

Style Secrets From Carrie Underwood