Cross stitch is simply good therapy!

I always thought so but had no proof that cross stitching has therapeutic value that far surpasses its seemingly mundane nature. Now, there is solid anecdotal evidence from the most unexpected space. Fresh from the just completed 2008 Beijing Olympic Games!

It may help alleviate some of our Olympic withdrawal symptoms to know that cross stitch is a hobby popular with Chinese women Olympians, many of whom were gold medalists. Interestingly, these Olympians hail from diverse sports like weight-lifting, diving, pistol-shooters, badminton, basketball, canoeing, athletics and even heavy-weight judo!

The seeming disconnect between cross stitch and the stringent demands of their sports discipline initially invited disapproval from the hard-driving Chinese coaches. But as they say, results speak for themselves.

Liu Chunhong, who won the women’s 62-kg weightlifting gold medal, and has broken five world records on her way to gold, was quoted declaring that she feels the best in the world. Not after winning the medal, but after spending 4 to 5 days finishing her cross stitch piece! Fellow weightlifting gold medalists, Chen Xiexia (48-kg category) and Chen Yanqing (58-kg category) are also avid cross stitch hobbyists. Coach Chen Wenbin now ungrudgingly accepts that cross stitch is not a waste of time but an integral part of the weighting team’s activities.

25m-pistol gold medalist Chen Ying declares that an athlete's life is very boring. Cross stitch gives her something to look forward to after training hard on the range. After 3 or 4 days, she simply loves her cute piece of handiwork.

Tong Wen, the Chinese judoka who defeated reigning champion Maki Tsukada in the women's heavyweight judo finals at the Beijing Olympic Games on August 15 to win the gold metal, is needless to say “giant” in build. Yet she feels real feminine whenever she cross stitches!

There you have it, cross stitch is simply good therapy, even for incredibly tough-minded Olympians. Perhaps it is also one of their secret weapons?

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http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/15/content_6938074.htm

http://www.womenofchina.cn/Profiles/Sportswomen/205990.jsp