This heartwarming letter from former world number one Annika Sorenstam to her daughter Ava, who will turn seven in September, is a must read for any parent.
This heart-warming letter from former world number one Annika Sorenstam to her daughter Ava, who will turn seven in September, is a must read for any parent.
In the touching letter Annika warns against overzealous parents and promises Ava she will let her find her own path.
Below is an extract:
Dear Ava
It’s spring, and you and your brother, Will, have just started T-ball.
I know that you’re shy and it seems so easy for your brother to go up and talk to people and say hello. Don’t worry, he is just more outgoing, like Daddy. And as much as I try to encourage you to be brave when you meet new people, I’m not worried, Little A, because your confidence will come soon.
It might be hard to believe — you’ve seen Mama’s trophies and awards, and see all the people we get to meet and speak to now — but I was shy too. When I was little, not much older than you are now, I almost let those trophies slip away.
All because I was too scared to find my own voice.
I didn’t like to raise my hand in school to answer questions in case I was wrong. I always thought my classmates would turn around and laugh at me. And it was the same thing on the golf course. Coming down the stretch, if I thought I was about to win, I would miss on purpose — an extra putt, or a chip and two-putt, or something — so that I would only finish second or third and wouldn’t have to address the crowd and give a victory speech. That way I would still get a trophy, but wouldn’t have to speak to the crowd.
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So rather than tell myself all the things I wish I had known, or lessons I’ve picked up, I’m writing to you, my Little A. I also did not feel “love at first sight” with golf. When I was a little girl, I’d rather be skiing, playing other sports, or spending time with family. Just like you.
In case you do end up following Mama’s footsteps, in life or in golf, here’s some of what I know so far. (And to the young girls reading who want to be athletes, hopefully you learn something, too.)
Keep painting and playing the piano. Keep swimming. Keep playing basketball and T-Ball and riding horses, which we know how much you love. Golf will always be there, if you want it. Just be ready for whatever you want to do.
For the full letter visit: www.theplayerstribune.com
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