How Did Mom Raise 4 Olympians?

The first family of taekwondo heads to Beijing, and are counting on more than just medals.
		Imagine a mother's pride watching her child compete in the Olympic games. For Ondina Lopez, four of her children are headed to Beijing and together, they will fight for gold.
	For the first time in Olympic history, four siblings will be walking in the opening ceremonies together. Jean, 34 and and the U.S. coach; Mark, 26; Steven, 29; and Diana, 24, all qualified for the Beijing games, which hasn't happened since the Tritschler brothers competed against each other in 1904 in gymnastics. For the first time also, their mom, Ondina Lopez, will be going to watch her children. It was a pact they made with her this year: If they all made it, she would go. Although her son Steven competed and won in Sydney and in Athens, Ondina was too nervous to go and stayed home in Sugarland, Texas while the rest of the family went. There's no backing out this time. We talked to Ondina about her children, her pride and what it's going to feel like to watch her children walking the opening ceremonies together. ML: What does it feel like to have four of your children going to Beijing? Ondina: It is hard for me to believe this is really happening -- but at the same time I am very thankful for all the blessings my family has received. The kids have worked so hard for this moment and I am so happy their dreams have come true. This will be such a special moment for them that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. ML: Did you ever have to push your kids to be this successful? Ondina: Their father wanted our kids to have self-confidence and have respect for their elders, so he found a martial arts school and enlisted Jean, the oldest son. Steven wanted to follow in his brother's footsteps as did Mark and Diana when the time came. In 2000, when taekwondo became an Olympic sport, the kids began began accomplishing their dreams. ML: You didn't go to watch Steven compete in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Why? Ondina: I felt better just staying home, saying prayers and waiting for the phone calls because I get really nervous and bite off all my fingernails. This year we are making history by the fact that four members of the same family are on the same U.S. Olympic team -- but it is history in the making in the fact that I am going. ML: Your kids are slated to win gold. What will you tell them if they don't? Ondina: The main thing I will tell them is that we love them no matter what. As long as they give their best, we will tell them to hold their heads high and be proud of their accomplishments. It hasn't been an easy road for the Lopez family. Julio and Ondina fled political oppression in Nicaragua in 1972. They settled in Upper Manhattan, where Julio found work in a clothing factory, though he was a structural engineer back home. He then took a job in New Jersey, which ended after a few months while Ondina was pregnant with Steven. Jean, the oldest, was told "You're the man of the house now." On the day Steven was born, Jean flagged down a cab to get his mom to the hospital. It's a testimony to the strength of family that this family inspires itself to be the best, train together, and single-handedly raise the profile of a niche sport. And although the kids are competitive in and out of the gym, their dedication to their sport does not outweigh their devotion to their family. When asked about his sister, Mark said, "I would rather her win than me. She's my little sister and I want to see her happy." Perhaps a family that kicks together sticks together.