Meet the Pregnant Mom Who Competes in Men’s Gymnastics see video

Eight weeks after giving birth to twins, Julia Sharpe slipped into spandex. It was not, however, Spanx. It was a singlet — the attire worn by male gymnasts. And Sharpe, 27, was suiting up to compete as an alumni member of MIT’s club gymnastics team.

Sharpe has been doing gymnastic since she was 2, and as an undergraduate she was the Division III women’s national all-around champion twice before MIT ended its varsity program. After that, she joined the women’s club team. But when she realized that according to NAIGC (National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs) rules, she could compete for either gender — just not both — she switched to the men’s club to help bolster their numbers and pursue a new challenge. (Speaking of new challenges, Sharpe will be competing in the Pittsburgh qualifier of American Ninja Warrior on May 22.)

Sharpe, a mechanical engineer, spoke to the Cut via email about competing as a woman in men’s gymnastics and returning to training and competition after giving birth.

You started out in women’s gymnastics and then made the switch to men’s club at MIT. When and why did you make the switch from the balance beam to the rings?I made the switch to men’s gymnastics after NAIGC Nationals in the spring of 2012. There were several reasons that I decided to switch. The MIT team only sent two male gymnasts to Nationals that year, and it seemed like the team was disappearing (like so many men’s programs these days), so I wanted to help keep it going.

I was also craving a new challenge. Women’s gymnastics at the NAIGC club level uses Level 9 rules [which are less demanding than varsity-level gymnastics rules], so my routines were very watered-down so that I could be super-clean and score well … In men’s gymnastics, I was able to go back to the basics and learn so many new things just from the other people on the team. In women’s gymnastics, I could maybe learn one new skill per year, but in men’s I was learning new skills all the time. Also, I have three older brothers, two of which did gymnastics, and I’ve always wanted to try out their events.

What was hardest part about starting out in men’s gymnastics?Physically, the hardest part was dealing with all the new overuse injuries that come with men’s gymnastics. I went through a phase in high school where I was injured all the time but then my body seemed to accept it. When I started men’s gymnastics, I had to find a new balance. Mentally, I have to admit it was hard not being the best anymore. I was extremely successful in Division III gymnastics in college and at the club level afterward, and in men’s gymnastics I was mediocre on most events, and pretty bad at others.

Is a singlet more comfortable than a leotard? Are there fewer or more wedgies?It is definitely more comfortable! Our uniforms are actually cut with shorts as part of them so wedgies are impossible.

Since you started competing for the men, what has been the reaction you’ve received? From your teammates and others?With the exception of one occasion, I have felt very accepted by everyone I’ve encountered in my time doing men’s gymnastics — from judges to teammates to athletes on other teams to parents of athletes on other teams. The men’s gymnastics community is very welcoming, which is a nice change from women’s gymnastics where I felt like we were pressured into seeing athletes from other teams as our enemies.

The one occasion where I was not welcomed was when our team competed at Springfield College in a competition that invited NCAA varsity teams, college club teams, and local USAG clubs. The Springfield administration would not let me compete because of my gender.

I have definitely seen a difference in reactions from men and women. From other women, the reaction is usually that they are super-impressed and could never do what I’m doing. I wish there was some way I could prove to them that they could if they wanted to! From men, they are also impressed but also seem to take my success as inspiration to get better themselves.

You recently gave birth to twins. Did you train at all while you were pregnant?I trained as much as I could while I was pregnant because I knew I wanted to get back into the gym soon after the babies were born. I pretty much did everything up to ten weeks. I felt pretty exhausted but I pushed through because I knew I didn’t have much time left. At 12 weeks, the doctor told me, “No shear on my uterus,” so I stopped tumbling and vaulting. At about 16 weeks, the contractions started so I was told to stop using my abs. At that point I could mostly just do small swings and handstands, but I tried to continue a strength regimen that didn’t use my abs, and I swam. At 28 weeks, I got put on bed rest for pre‐term contractions, which is pretty common with twins. At 34 weeks, when the babies were mature enough to be born if they decided it was time, I got to come off bed rest, so I did some more handstands, but mostly just walked and did yoga. At 37 weeks, I got put on bed rest again for high blood pressure, so that was the end of exercise pre‐birth.

You returned to competition just eight weeks after giving birth to twins via C‐section. Why did you decide to return to
competition so soon after giving birth and compete this season? And what was it like? I wanted to be able to compete at NAIGC Nationals this year, so I figured the earlier I start competing, the better, even if I was only doing very basic skills.

When I first started, I couldn’t do backward rolls or forward rolls, which I’ve been doing since before I could remember. For the first week or so, I could barely make a front tuck on floor and I hit my butt on the vault trying to do a handspring. It was confusing because I felt like my body awareness was completely off. I was never where I thought I was; the feedback loop was broken. I definitely felt myself get stronger each week, and now that I have been back for eight weeks, I’m definitely starting to feel more like myself.

I’ve gotten to the point where I can see myself getting back to where I was in just a few months.

Do you think other women could have a future in men’s gymnastics?

Really, I feel like any woman who is willing to put in the time training can be successful at men’s gymnastics especially if they have good basics from years of women’s gymnastics. In my opinion, I think it’s surprising that in this modern age, no one has questioned the fact that there is no “men’s gymnastics” for women and “women’s gymnastics” for men. Why can’t there just be six-event gymnastics (hexagymnastics?) and four-event gymnastics (quadragymnastics?) where men and women don’t necessarily compete against each other, but are at least allowed to do the same sport.

You don’t really see this in other sports, where the men’s version is so completely different from the women’s. Women’s gymnastics evolved the way it did because people believed that women weren’t strong enough to support themselves on their hands for long periods of time like the men can. I think if you watch uneven bars these days, you can see that is definitely not true.Read here And even women who have had children like Oksana Chusovitina [who is 39 and planning to compete at her seventh Olympic Games in Rio] or myself are still capable of being incredibly strong. If I can do men’s gymnastics just eight weeks after giving birth to twins, then there are many other women out there who could do really incredible things in the sport. I really want other women to be able to see that.

KEEP GROWING

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. - Philippians 3:14

Some people say they don't want to go to church because the church is full of hypocrites. They will identify any Christian who falls short as a hypocrite.

If you do or say anything that doesn't measure up to your faith as a follower of Jesus, then you are immediately branded that way.

But just because you believe something and don't always live up to it doesn't mean you are a hypocrite.

In fact, that doesn't mean you are a hypocrite at all. What it does mean is that you are a human being. No one measures up all the time to the very high standards of God.

We all fall short of the glory of God-again and again. We are imperfect people serving a perfect God.

Even the great apostle Paul admitted this struggle: "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it.

Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it" (Rom 7:15-17).

That wasn't Paul's everyday experience, but it was a candid admission. Nor should it be used as a justification to say we always will be struggling in this manner and therefore shouldn't even try.

Paul also wrote, "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me" (Philippians 3:12).

The further you go in the Christian life, the further you will realize you need to go. That is the mark of a genuine, growing Christian.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep on growing in my walk with You.

Scriptural Reading: Philippians 3:12-21

This song worth listen to, lyrics below

VERSE 1:

He’s the same God Who was there for you in the midnight hour He’s the same God, who’s able to wipe your tears away He’s the same God, who was there in times of lack and want He’s the same God,  He’s Jehovah My great provider Tell me why you’re giving up on God, Tell me why you’re giving up on Him, Tell me why you’re giving up on God,' Hold on, change is on the way. 

 CHORUS:

Ebezina, Chukwu Nonso,  Ogini bu nsobu gi, Ima-na odi adigideh, Nwa nnen mo, Jide si eh Ike, Hi si anya gi eh, Chukwu di gi atu asi, Oge a diri gi nma. 

 VERSE 2: 

Don’t you cry change is here, Weeping may endure, but for a night Joy’s  gonna come in the morning, You don’t have to cry no more, Hold God by His word, He’s gonna do what He says, Lift you hands and give him praise Oh oh oh oh oh oh  

 CHORUS 2: 

Ebezina, Chukwu Nonso, Ogini bu nsobu gi, Ima-na odi adigideh, Nwa nne mo, Jide si eh Ike, Hi si anya gi eh, Chukwu di gi atu asi,    Ebezina, Chukwu Nonso,  Ogini bu nsobu gi, Ima-na odi adigideh, Nwa nnen mo, Jide si eh Ike, Hi si anya gi eh, Chukwu di gi atu asi, Oge a diri gi nma.

BRIDGE:

 I know you’ve been crying, I understand I know you’ve been wounded, well it’s okay I know you’ve been broken But am here, to mend your broken heart, Believe in me you will overcome.Your yesterday will be a story I’m the God of all flesh And nothing is too hard for me to do yea, Don’t you forget (I calmed the sea), Don’t you forget (I raised the dead), Don’t you forget (I came to die that you might live forever), Don’t you cry it’s gonna be over, You will overcome today Wipe your eyes and give Him all the praise (Repeat Chorus 2x). By Preye.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:8

A recent survey revealed that teenagers are now spending an average of seven and a half hours per day involved in multiple forms of electronic media, including, TV, video games, listening to music, surfing the Web, testing, and e-mailing.

Those things are not bad. But we can be so current on culture yet so out of touch with Scripture. So let's make sure that our minds and hearts are filled with the truths of God.

Romans 12:1 tells us to "give our bodies to God because of all He has done for us. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice —the kind He will find acceptable."

Giving our bodies to God also includes our tongues — our words and what we say to others.

As James 3:5 points out, "The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire."

I would suggest that you T-H-I-N-K before you speak. The next time you have something to say but are not sure if you really ought to say it, run through the T-H-I-N-K acronym:

T — is it true?

H = is it helpful?

I — is it inspiring?

N — is it necessary?

K — is it kind?

Maybe you're thinking, 'If I lived by that principle, I wouldn't say anything ever again.' So be it.

Present your tongue to God. Not only that, we need to present our hands and feet to Him as well.

Proverbs 6:17-19 says there are seven things that God detests: "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."

So dedicate your hands and your feet and your tongue to God.

Prayer: Lord, I dedicate my heart, my hands, my feet, and my tongue to You.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:2-9

More Than 100 Keyboard Shortcuts You Need To Know

Keyboard Shortcuts (Microsoft Windows):


1. CTRL+C (Copy)
2. CTRL+X (Cut)
... 3. CTRL+V (Paste)
4. CTRL+Z (Undo)
5. DELETE (Delete)
6. SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)
7. CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
8. CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
9. F2 key (Rename the selected item)
10. CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)
11. CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)
12. CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)
13. CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
14. CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)
SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document)
15. CTRL+A (Select all)
16. F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
17. ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)
18. ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)
19. ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)
20. ALT+SPACE-BAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
21. CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open-simultaneously)
22. ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)
23. ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)
24. F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
25. F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
26. SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
27. ALT+SPACE-BAR (Display the System menu for the active window)
28. CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)
29. ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu) Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)
30. F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
31. RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a sub-menu)
32. LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a sub-menu)
33. F5 key (Update the active window)
34. BACKSPACE (View the folder one-level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
35. ESC (Cancel the current task)
36. SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM-into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)

Dialog Box - Keyboard Shortcuts:

1. CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)
2. CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)
3. TAB (Move forward through the options)
4. SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)
5. ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option)
6. ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)
7. SPACE-BAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)
8. Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)
9. F1 key (Display Help)
10. F4 key (Display the items in the active list)
11. BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts:

1. Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)
2. Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)
3. Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)
4. Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)
5. Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)
6. Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)
7. Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)
8. CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)
9. Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)
10. Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)
11. Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)
12. Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)
13. Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts
14. Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch Filter-Keys either on or off)
15. Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)
16. Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the Mouse-Keys either on or off)
17. SHIFT five times (Switch the Sticky-Keys either on or off)
18. NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the Toggle-Keys either on or off)
19. Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)
20. Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
21. END (Display the bottom of the active window)
22. HOME (Display the top of the active window)
23. NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) (Display all of the sub-folders that are under the selected folder)
24. NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) (Display the contents of the selected folder)

MMC Console keyboard shortcuts:

1. SHIFT+F10 (Display the Action shortcut menu for the selected item)
2. F1 key (Open the Help topic, if any, for the selected item)
3. F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
4. CTRL+F10 (Maximize the active console window)
5. CTRL+F5 (Restore the active console window)
6. ALT+ENTER (Display the Properties dialog box, if any, for the selected item)
7. F2 key (Rename the selected item)
8. CTRL+F4 (Close the active console window. When a console has only one console window, this shortcut closes the console)

Remote Desktop Connection Navigation:

1. CTRL+ALT+END (Open the Microsoft Windows NT Security dialog box)
2. ALT+PAGE UP (Switch between programs from left to right)
3. ALT+PAGE DOWN (Switch between programs from right to left)
4. ALT+INSERT (Cycle through the programs in most recently used order)
5. ALT+HOME (Display the Start menu)
6. CTRL+ALT+BREAK (Switch the client computer between a window and a full screen)
7. ALT+DELETE (Display the Windows menu)
8. CTRL+ALT+Minus sign (-) (Place a snapshot of the active window in the client on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)
9. CTRL+ALT+Plus sign (+) (Place a snapshot of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard-and provide the same functionality as-pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)

Microsoft Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts:

1. CTRL+B (Open the Organize Favorites dialog box)
2. CTRL+E (Open the Search bar)
3. CTRL+F (Start the Find utility)
4. CTRL+H (Open the History bar)
5. CTRL+I (Open the Favorites bar)
6. CTRL+L (Open the Open dialog box)
7. CTRL+N (Start another instance of the browser with the same Web address)
8. CTRL+O (Open the Open dialog box,the same as CTRL+L)
9. CTRL+P (Open the Print dialog box)
10. CTRL+R (Update the current Web page)
11. CTRL+W (Close the current window)

“ Delay Does Not Mean Denial"

Hi Beloveds long time, 2015 is the season of abundant blessings, favor, and decreeing visions. I’m not one to have a braggadocios spirit; but God has been so good to me and I have to share it with someone. I’ve just completed my graduate degree a few days ago and I am now preparing to marry my best friend.

We women all love the story of Ruth and Boaz, but here is my story. As most of you that follow my journey know I too lost someone very near and dear to me, my friend taught me a valuable lesson in life which is the key to forgiveness. I wanted to be committed to my friend; I just thought timing wasn’t on my side. It was a tough time for me; although I surrounded myself around positive people who loved the Lord as much as I do. During my grieving moment, I asked “so God does this mean I will never get married?” I knew God word says “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay (Habakkuk 2:3) “.

During the past six months of my life; I was praying and asking God to connect me to the heart that is meant to love me. I still tried to do things my way; which resulted in disappointment after disappointment. I decided to make a self- vow after I forgave my father. I vowed that I was not giving my time to emotionally unavailable men or people. I found myself fully committed to God; I was reminded why I chose patience over not settling, I know the word of God says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7-7:8).”  The devil tried it, he lied and said I was lonely and I will be single forever .Waiting and being patient can be difficult; due to today’s society we are living in. The I want it (NOW) society. I was reminded that I serve the most high God and my faith lies within Jesus Christ. Women of substance, I’m here to tell you; hold fast because God answers our prayers; he gives us three answers NO, NOT YET, or I HAVE SOMETHING BETTER FOR YOU. Waiting during the difficult times develops our relationship with God. “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin (Proverbs 18:24).” When we wait during the hard times, just know that God is right in the trenches with us waiting. Delay Doesn’t Mean Denial

 My modern day Boaz has been here all along, he has been present in my life during the most difficult times of my life. Although I placed him in the friend zone he never placed limits on our friendship or pressured me into anything that was unwarranted. He was there to pray for me when I couldn’t pray for myself, a shoulder to cry on when there was no one else around to listen, and most of all he respects me.  He reminds me daily why he chose me, he states how he’s intrigued by my strength, my heart, and most of all… my faith in God.  Although he and I are from two different cultural backgrounds, he accepts me for me no matter what my past looks like; he accepts my bruised heart , my flaws, but most of all he loves me for me . I submitted all my burdens to God and became vulnerable with him. Once I did that God shift the atmosphere and revealed to me my future husband. Love is an action; it’s not what’s perpetuated in the media. My help mate understands that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). read here

We are preparing to form a union and change my last name and become one . “The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give (Isaiah 62:2  )”. “House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14)”. So to my virtuous single praying women just know “ Delay Doesn’t Mean Denial ”. God’s words are true . Keep God first and you will never be last.

THE PLACE OF NOTHINGNESS

Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

Do you find yourself in a place of nothingness? There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of isolation and waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value.

It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a reason.

It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities - simply inactivity. During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us.

It is a place of nothingness designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place.

Our nature cries out, "You must do something" while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God."

You know the signs that you have been brought into this place when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything.

It may be that you are unemployed and it seems as if no company is interested in you.

Maybe you are single and no suitable person is looking your way. Perhaps you are down with an illness and it seems you are being left behind.

Many people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen.

But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He sometimes brings us into a time of quietness that seems almost strange.

You cannot see what God is doing. You just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to yourself or to others.

Mother Teresa wrote, "Has God brought you to a place of nothingness? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, your nothingness will be turned into something you will value for the rest of your life."

Prayer: Praise the Lord for being in absolute control of your life.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-11