The First Jordyn

My personal definition of greatness is when they change the rules to stifle a star. Tiger-proofing of golf courses and the no dunking era in NCAA basketball are two of the best examples. Further, Michael Jordan's greatness is paramount in that the kids who were named after him are beginning to emerge in the press. I'm sure the name Jordan and it's derivatives have climbed the name popularity charts throughout the nineties and aughts. The following story is fun for what it says about cheerleading and "spirit" organizations. The image of Jordyn Brown shotputting cheerleaders is one for the ages. More so, I think perhaps she is so great she has forced me to expand the definition:

From pom-poms to shot put
Brown planned on cheering in college but has found place on team

Chris Tavarez
Daily Texan Staff
Published: Friday, April 10, 2009

Unconventional. Unorthodox. Weird.

In the words of head track coach Beverly Kearney, “she came in unusual to begin with.”
These are just a few of the many statements used to describe junior thrower Jordyn Brown’s rise to All-American status.
Of all the athletes competing in the NCAA, only a select few are fortunate enough to become All-Americans, though most enter with attaining the status as one of their main goals. Unless that athlete is Brown.
Her unusual rise to the top of track and field almost never happened
When she was growing up, her first love was cheerleading. Instead of throwing the shot put, she grew up throwing other girls in cheer routines.
rest of story

I think Jordyn Brown will be great. They may not change the rules in the putter's circle, but the rules about the way women's shotput is covered by the media can't help but change after the first time she does a celebrarory backflip after a record throw. Youtubers be ready!