____Blaine

I need to first say this. You're not going to get it, but it needs to be said:

Vicky, I stole your routine.

Now then, back to business...

That is Blaine Wilson. Blaine and I go way back. Ok, I don't actually know the guy, although he did give me his autograph once. But he was the first male gymnast I ever gave a crap about and unofficially he's the reason this website even exists.

First, a few quick facts:

Birthplace/Hometown/Residence: Columbus, OH
Birthday: August 3, 1974
Club/School/Coach: Ohio State University (eww!); Miles Avery
Major: Psychology
Status: Married (Makare Desilets, who is like 6 feet taller than him) with child on the way
Favorite event: Still Rings (It's no wonder...)
Began the sport: 1979 (He was 4 and hyper. What's a parent to do?)
Years on the Sr. National Team: 9 (1993-2002)
Years he was National Champion: 5 (1996-2000)

Interesting Facts:
--Named after Dallas Cowboys guard Blaine Nye and baseball great Rod Carew.
--Was the first man ever in US Gymnastics History to win a National title 5 times in a row.
--Enjoys golf, soccer, and biking.

Venture back with me to 1996. A devout follower of female gymnastics, one day I tuned in to the Olympic Games to learn that men was on instead. Not a fan of men but had nothing better to do, I watched the competition. It was nothing spectacular to see, but I managed to fall in love with Blaine. The rebel of gymnastics, he had a tough guy attitude that I'm always attracted to. Since then, I've watched Blaine whenever he is on television because I consider myself a loyal fan.

Enter the 2000 Olympic trials. Naturally Blaine is winning, and I'm enjoying watching. But while Blaine is not on the screen, they would show a variety of other gymnasts, including Steve McCain. That was where I first learned who he is, and that's how I became the fan I am now. So see? If it wasn't for Blaine, none of this would exist.

Blaine has always been an amazing gymnast and a popular one at that. His amazing skills have earned him feats thought impossible, such as being the 5 time National Champion. 5 times? That's impressive. Did I mention those were back to back? His skills are always a little bit tougher, his routines are always a little bit better, he always wants it just a little bit more. It is no wonder other gymnasts strive to be just like Blaine.

He is a kind soul, when he's not on the floor. He has a great sense of humour, and he's tattooed. Since his horrible 2001 year, what with not being able to defend his title due to injury and the loss of his unborn baby boy, he has learned value and optimism and fun. Good thing too, as his all or nothing attitude was bound to give him a heart attack.

Blaine is and always will be my favorite gymnast. He struck a chord with me and I will stand by him through anything he decides to do. As he aims to continue with the sport until the end of the 2004 Olympics, you can bet I'll be cheering him on all the way. I wish him congrats on the upcoming birth of his new baby girl, luck with his marriage, and my blessings for the upcoming meets and the rest of his life.