The Toy That Started It All
From Our Files
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"Roll too close to call" (11-18-00)
Julia over the hump! Her first back-to-front roll
But is it a lock? Re-roll called for
November 30, 2000
BOSTON, MA - At 9:37 ET this morning, Julia completed her first back-to-front roll while lying on her parents' bed. The roll occurred without any warning or parental prompting. She had been playing with a toy, (see "The toy that started it all," sidebar) which she accidentally dropped to her left side. She tried to reach the toy, and in doing so flipped over completely, resulting in her lying on her belly.
Re-roll called for
Critics say that the softness of the bed may have aided unfairly in her roll. Getting her lower arm out of the way had been the impediment in previous rolls, when a harder surface would not allow her to roll on top of the arm. However, on the soft bed, she was able to roll over her arm and then pull it out from under her once she was on her stomach.
Supporters pointed out that her arm was not perpendicular to her body, as it had been in some previous roll attempts, so it was quite possible that she would have completed the roll successfully on a more demanding surface. On one thing both sides agree: a re-roll would solidify her status as a roller and would go a long way towards convincing opponents of the legitimacy of her roll claims.
Some surprised at progress
After initial optimism that she would roll immediately following her early attempts (see "From Our Files: Roll too close to call," sidebar link), some analysts began to suspect that victory was not as close at hand as it had appeared. Veteran rollers reported that the arm was a difficult hurdle to overcome. Some analysts suggested that Julia might employ her superior neck strength and improving balance to sit before she was able to roll, and in fact she had been observed sitting unsupported for as long as 15 seconds prior to the roll this morning. A sitting attempt mid-day today lasted significantly longer.
Julia takes move in stride
While observers reacted excitedly, and others gathered around hoping to catch a repeat of the historic event, Julia's reaction was understated – one might even say blasé. She maintained her composure, revealing no emotion, clearly unwilling to engage in any premature celebration. Analysts described her demeanor as "very presidential."
Stay tuned to WeissCurry.com for continuing updates on this breaking story!
