RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (WHDH) - Team USA gymnast Aly Raisman’s parent have become almost as famous as she is, and 7News’ Nancy Chen sat down with them to talk about watching their daughter compete.
It’s their daughter competing in the arena, but Rick and Lynn Raisman are getting their own workouts in as well.
The dedicated parents from Needham who went viral during the 2012 Olympics were back this week, inspiring memes and video clips.
“I think it’s like involuntary at this point,” Lynn Raisman said.
“Yeah, we don’t even realize we’re moving,” Rick Raisman said. “Even like the video that came out again, we thought we weren’t even doing anything so it was funny how it kind of went crazy again.”
Every dodge, every tense moment, the two caught on their own roller coaster of emotion.
They know that for Aly, each competition in Rio is the culmination of years of sacrifice.
“It’s hard to explain — what goes into their work in preparation,” Rick Raisman said. You’re talking 15 years and you have one minute and 30 seconds to do your thing. If you don’t do it, you’re done.”
Just as prominent as their weaving is Rick’s red polo shirt, the same shirt he wore in London, per Aly’s request.
He said he hasn’t washed it since London, in order to keep the good luck going.
“Her winning her own individual medal was — kind of the exclamation point to her career,” Rick Raisman said. “It’s kind of like the only thing that’s ever alluded her in whatever way it alluded her, but I think this the one that meant the most to her.”
Aly will compete one last time in the floor final on Tuesday.
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