Stanzi’s Olympic Dream

    In recent years, Al and I have been amazed at the explosive growth of our extended families. Besides four grandchildren, we have twenty-seven great nephews and great nieces, with one on the way! It really is wonderful being able to watch this youngest generation grow up. With the help of cell phones, social media and the internet, we still feel connected in spite of all of the miles between us.

   Our oldest great niece, Stanzi Moseley, is standing on the threshold of an exciting future. Not only has she been accepted into the University of Southern California with a scholarship, she has also qualified for the Olympic swimming trials which are going to be held in Omaha, Nebraska from June 26^th to July 3.

   Over the years we have watched her make steady progress as a competitive swimmer, which began when she was playing at a park in Bakersfield and noticed a group of kids working out in the pool. She thought it looked like fun and wanted to try it too. Stanzi started with a recreational swim team, learned the different strokes quickly and was soon involved in competitions. With good coaching and lots of support from her parents, Bill and Dominique Moseley, she learned quickly and loved it.

    During the past twelve years, many great swimmers have inspired her; however, she points to her parents as her main source of inspiration in exemplifying a strong work ethic, self-discipline and perseverance through many difficult circumstances of life. Bill and Dominique have also made many sacrifices for Stanzi so that she could continue pursuing her dream of one day being on an Olympic swimming team, sitting through countless hours of practices and meets, traveling around the country with her and then letting go of her last winter at the age of 17, as she moved from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita to begin working out with the Canyon Aquatics team in preparation for the 2016 Olympics.

   Since that time, the workout schedule for this young swimmer has been grueling, with about five hours per week of “dry land” training lifting weights, eighteen to twenty hours a week in the water, a restricted diet, yoga, stretching and meditation. She often listens to music and uses the quiet times of stretching to pray.

   How has her faith in God helped her? “Swimming is just a small part of my world. When times are rough and I’m feeling tired and broken down, I tell myself to enjoy this and let God shine through me. This is just part of the process.” Being on the Olympic team would be an incredible experience for her, but she believes that she can go to the trials, compete to the best of her ability and be happy. Another dream and passion of hers is to become a doctor specializing in women’s health, possibly someday going to Haiti.

   Four out of six of Stanzi’s younger brothers and sisters are also competitive swimmers. The whole family will be going to Omaha for the trials. Stanzi says, “It’s like having a big cheering section! I definitely would not be where I am today if it had not been for my family and friends who have made sacrifices.” Her advice to the younger “swimming Moseleys” is to “Enjoy the experience, work hard and have fun!” Stanzi has certainly been exemplary in doing that! May we follow her example of hard work and may we have her passion as we serve Jesus in those things He has called us to do.  

   “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV