We all know our US Olympians can achieve superhuman feats. But did you know their moms can leap.. oops- I mean “make” buildings in a single bound? Well, not quite, but they are an amazing bunch of women who have done some pretty incredible things themselves. I have had the pleasure of getting to know one Olympic family and am thrilled to tell you a little about one Olympic mom—Ying Huske, mother to Torri Huske.
Torri is competing in the 2024 Olympics for the USA Swim Team. You can cheer Torri on in the 100 fly and 100 freestyle, as well as some relay events as she competes for the highest Olympic honors. Torri has been a significant part of this promising USA swim team, but for this story, we thought we would focus on a person who has been there throughout Torri’s journey to becoming a world-class athlete: her mom, Ying.
Meet Ying Huske, mom to two-time Olympian Torri Huske. Ying is currently in Paris with her husband Jim, getting ready to cheer loudly for her daughter and the rest of Team USA, who start swimming today. Ying is very accomplished professionally and has served our nation for over 20 years as a civilian. I have also had the pleasure of getting to know Ying as a person. Ying always has a smile for friends and family. She shines with pride when talking about her daughter and greatly compliments her husband’s culinary skills but is humble and quiet about her own great accomplishments.
Ying refers to her younger years as her “first life.” She was born and raised in Guangzhou, China, and came to the United States in 1991. Ying’s original profession was as an architect. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in architecture from South China University of Technology. In her early professional years, she designed three major high-rises in a prominent city.
In 1991, Ying immigrated to the US and settled in Virginia, where she went back to school at Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!). She switched from buildings to highways and earned a master’s degree in civil engineering. Ying moved to DC and became an Eisenhower Fellow, eventually working as a transportation engineer for over 10 years. But if two careers weren’t enough of a challenge, Ying reinvented herself professionally again. Her third career is in IT, where she works for the US Navy, helping to keep an important aspect of our Navy secure.
I asked Ying for some “favorites” to fill in a little more about her story:
- Favorite Family Memories: Although she has enjoyed watching her daughter break records, she fondly remembers family outings with young Torri to the park to feed ducks, to the zoo to see the animals, and teaching her all those childhood skills. She chuckled a little about teaching Torri to ride a bike, which she said “took some time.”
- Favorite Food: Chinese, specifically Ginger Scallions with lobster sauce (I concur!).
- Favorite Family Tradition: Holiday meals! Although Jim is the head chef, Ying enjoys the family time shared over his delicious meals.
- Favorite Vacation: The Bahamas. Ying, like Torri, has a love of the water. (She actually swam while pregnant with Torri, putting the wheels in aquatic motion even before she was born!) She reminisced about the calm of the ocean and the clarity of the brilliant blue water in the Bahamas. She also enjoyed snorkeling with her family.
When Ying is not working or trying to catch her daughter racing in the pool, she can be found crocheting various items such as toys, blankets, and bags. Although she and Torri are on opposite coasts (Torri attends Stanford University), she has found a way to connect with her by reading and sharing books. It has become a great way for them to share an interest and spend some time together virtually.
Ying has openly given Jim the title of Chef in the family and has acquiesced the story from the kitchen to him. He provided a great recipe that his family enjoys for Thanksgiving dinner. You can click on the link below for Jim’s recipe.
This month, we have curated a special Olympic Spirit Charm Collection featuring charms of different bases and places participating in the Olympics, charm beads that feature different symbols of countries, and beads that coordinate with the colors of the Olympic Rings. To view this collection and receive a complimentary bead with purchase, click the link below.
Ying's Story and charm bracelet are a little off the beaten path of our normal military family stories but that is what we love about our company, charms, and stories, everyone's is unique to their journey!
Thank you to Ying for sharing a little bit of her and her family’s story. Best of luck to Torri and all the Olympic athletes. We are excited to watch and cheer you on!
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