The sense of urgency behind the president鈥檚 big infrastructure bill is waning, while other legislative priorities have stalled. With a thin margin in the Senate, Democrats may have to lower their ambitions.聽
As I recall, I did finally master doing a cartwheel as a kid. I know for a fact, I could somersault 鈥 and still can, for that matter. That鈥檚 not much to crow about, I know. But it鈥檚 all the more reason I鈥檓 curious what makes superstar gymnast Simone Biles tick.
Last weekend, she became the first female athlete to land a Yurchenko double pike in vault during a competition.
What鈥檚 behind the kind of drive that leads her to execute moves so extraordinary that, so far, four are named after her? According to her coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi, being motivated from within is key to her success.聽
鈥淲e saw in her eyes that she wanted to do it for a good reason,鈥 Mr. Landi told聽. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 from the pressure of anyone else."聽
Speaking more generally, he added, 鈥淚f deep inside them they want to be successful, and they love the sport, they will find a way to get better.鈥
Simone Biles 鈥 better? A five-time Olympic medalist, she has won every all-around competition she鈥檚 entered and is the most decorated gymnast, male or female, in world championships. We鈥檒l have to wait until the Olympics to see whether the double pike becomes Ms. Biles鈥 fifth eponymous move.
But clearly, the right motive and a love of the sport create room to grow. That鈥檚 how last weekend鈥檚 first-ever feat came about. Ms. Biles tried it years ago 鈥渏ust to play around,鈥 she told another . 鈥淣ever in a million years did I think it was going to be feasible,鈥 she said.聽
As she grew stronger, though, it came within reach 鈥 and she couldn鈥檛 resist.