How to Stick the Landing

Gymnastic greats have showed us how to finish off a gold-medal performance with a flourish. But why limit it to gymnasts -- life is full of opportunities to stick the landing.

Instructions

Step 1: Arrange for a landing Arrange for a landing. Leap off a step, a curb, or just jump in place.
Step 2: Bring your feet together Land with your feet together. Steady yourself, and bend your knees until they reach a 90-degree angle, or until your thighs are parallel with the floor.
Step 3: Extend your arms Spread your arms, and extend them over your head.
TIP: If necessary, imagine that you're the "Y" in the "YMCA" dance.
Step 4: Pop up and snap your head As you land, keep your head bowed down, with a sense of gravitas. As you straighten your legs and pop up, snap your head up to the sky and smile. Success!
Step 5: Express excellence Now that you can stick the landing, use this powerful Olympic gesture to highlight your own personal victories.
Step 6: Celebrate failure with grace Or use it to add a sense of class and elegance to your highly public moments of defeat.
Step 7: Do not abuse the landing However you choose to stick your landing, it is a privilege. Do not abuse it.
FACT: In 1976, at the Montreal Games, Nadia Comaneci made Olympic history by becoming the first gymnast to receive a perfect score. She was 14 years old.