'Super Mom' Leslie returns, going for fourth gold in Beijing

While most athletes are ready to demonstrate their abilities at the Beijing Olympics, United States basketball sensation Lisa Leslie wants to show the world something else - the glamour and power of being a "super mom".

The 35-year-old WNBA star, who gave birth to her first child last year, is back in the red, white and blue on court for the "Good Luck Beijing" International Invitational this week.

The new mom has joined Lindsay Davenport's "Super Mom Club" and now has her eyes on a record-breaking fourth Olympic gold medal in women's basketball.

"I feel great to be a part of the 'super moms'," Leslie told China Daily. "Especially after having a child and knowing the work ethics and discipline that it takes to care for a child.

"It's simply changed my life. But I still love having this time to be with myself, my teammates, my coaches, to be around the team. I love that part too. I'm thankful that I'm a mom and I have the opportunity and the family support to be able to continue to play."

Arguably the most successful women's basketball player ever, Leslie returned to the US training camp just four months after giving birth to Lauren Jolie Lockwood on June 25. But she missed the entire 2007 WNBA season and has been out of the national side for a year and a half.

The sparkling comeback at Wukesong Stadium this week inducted her into the Super Mom Club, which boasts a number of high-profile international women's athletes.

Her fellow countrywoman Davenport returned to the highly competitive WTA Tour, less than a year after giving birth to her first child Jagger; and she was followed by Paula Radcliffe, who showed her form by winning the New York Marathon.

But "mother champions", as Chinese media call them, are rarely seen in very physical sports like basketball, especially at center, the position Leslie plays which involves a lot of body contact.

"I believe I can be better, I can be stronger, I can get better conditioned for my team," she said. "The reason why I continue to play is that I really feel that I can help the US and my WNBA team as well. I will continue to play as long as it's fun."

With three Olympic gold medals, two world championships, two WNBA titles, three WNBA MVP awards, a listing as the WNBA's all-time leading scorer and the first player to dunk in a game, Leslie is on her way becoming the first female basketball player to win Olympic gold at four consecutive Games.

Former US star Teresa Edwards won four Olympic titles, but a bronze in 1992 interrupted her run from 1984-2000.

The new mom might need a little more time to find her top game, but as long as she is on court the US coach Anne Donovan believes the star's contribution is priceless.

"Lisa's leadership, experience and her voice is something that we really need to play with again," she said.

"For our younger players in particular, to have that opportunity to be with her, learn from her, as well as to show Lisa all the development that we've made in her absence, its an exciting time for us."

Leslie's solid comeback not only delighted her coach and teammates, but also impressed her opponents.

"She is awesome," said Chinese forward Miao Lijie, who played for WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs in 2005.

"She is a perfect example to the rest of the world that being a mother won't hamper your career, instead, it makes you a stronger woman.

"Also, her comeback has made the US team more formidable and I am very sure it will be the most dangerous force at the Olympics in August."

(China Daily 04/23/2008 page23)