In this age of hyperactive social media where your every move might be captured and then posted online for strangers all over the world to critique, it’s easy to become self-conscious.  It’s easy to sacrifice being in the moment for finding the perfect pose for a Twitpic and it’s unfortunately common to trade unapologetic, hysterical laughter for a controlled giggle that won’t look so maniacal on a Youtube video.

However, Leslie Foley, a senior on the Nevada swimming and diving team, slams self-consciousness to the mat.  At a recent team get-together she not only threw back her head and laughed but she served herself another slab of chocolate-chocolate cake after doing so:  “After all this laughing, I better have some more cake.”  

Now, I don’t recommend that athletes go crazy with chocolate-chocolate cake, but I would suggest that they follow Leslie’s lead when it comes to posture.  It seems that most girls suffer from a sudden increase of gravity whenever it’s time for a group photo.  A camera comes out and suddenly 15 girls sink into a Betty Boop-esque squat and seemingly have to grip each other’s shoulders to prevent falling completely to the floor.  Leslie, however, has the leg strength and mental fortitude to resist the surge in gravity caused by the sudden threat of being captured on camera for someone’s Facebook page or Twitter.  Leslie, all six feet of her, stands way up.  And in resisting the obsession with looking cool, she looks awesome.

So ladies, throw back your head and laugh.  Eat some chocolate-chocolate cake (though not too much depending on your athletic season).  And stand up…not just in pictures but wherever you go through life.

Exhibit 1:  Sudden increase in gravity?  Very low invisible ceiling?  Choreographed Seated Chair Yoga pose?

Exhibit 2:  There's Leslie in the back..posture of a champion.

Exhibit 3:  Two Olympic gold medalists, swimmer Missy Franklin and gymnast Shawn Johnson, taking pride in their respective heights.