Last year, Christy Drummond (yes, she took her husband’s name), the two-time Olympic marathon champion and the founder, CEO and spokesperson for Baby G Sports, met and married wealthy entrepreneur (and one of People magazine’s ten most eligible bachelors) Michael Drummond. Tall and lithe, and living in a magnificent Fifth Avenue penthouse with views to die for, Christy would be easy to hate if she wasn’t so nice.
Wearing brown Valentino pants, a Dior chiffon blouse, and spiky Jimmy Choos, she spoke as she expertly sliced tomatoes to top the salad. “After I met Michael, my housekeeper, Maria Ruiz, passed away, and I was left responsible for her granddaughter, Renata. All of a sudden, I was faced with trying to be a good wife, mother, and CEO. That’s when it hit me. I’d had my fill of the jet-set life. What I wanted to do more than anything was to take care of my husband and child. I vowed to be as good a wife and mother as I had been an Olympic athlete.”
With that realization, Christy said good-bye to Baby G and never looked back. Overachiever that she is, however, Christy isn’t stepping quietly into the role of wife and mother. No, she has taken it upon herself to become a spokesperson for women everywhere who choose old-fashioned domesticity over making it in the traditional world of men.
Mrs. Drummond served poached salmon with a tangy orange vinaigrette, presenting this reporter with a lunch that would delight the most discerning critic. “I think the hardest part of being a housewife and mother in our culture is that there are so few accolades for a job well done. In business, you get a bonus or an award when you do something noteworthy. With family, maybe your husband or child thanks you for making a tasty meal or running an errand, but that was the job you signed up for. It’s what they expect. In my new universe, there is no Best Supporting Wife trophy, no profile in People magazine. As someone who spent her whole life working for recognition, always being singled out as someone special, that’s been an adjustment for me.”
Christy was thoughtful when asked what she would tell her own daughter about career versus family priorities. “Of course I’ll make sure she gets the education and training she needs to take care of herself financially. But if she works for a while and then wants to take time off to raise a family, I’ll encourage her. If you love being with your children, it’s not a sacrifice. You can always go back to work later.”
So does Christy believe this is the beginning of a trend—women choosing old-fashioned wifehood over independence? “I’m not the only high-achieving woman who feels this way. I can’t tell you how many famous, powerful women come up to me to say they want my new life.”
What’s not to want? Who among us wouldn’t take the life of a Fifth Avenue princess caring for one of the country’s richest, most powerful men?
Does Christy have any regrets? “Not a one. I could never have kept my old job and sustained a warm and loving marriage. I couldn’t have been there for Renata as she grew up. I couldn’t have devoted myself to Michael’s happiness. A hundred interchangeable people could run Baby G. I’m the only one who could do these things.”
Michael put the paper down. “Wow. That’s a great article. I’m so proud of you.”
Christy smiled. “Thanks. It’s the new reinvented me. What do think of that family picture of us?”
“Nice,” Michael said.
“Do I look chubby to you?”
“Well you know, the camera puts ten extra pounds on anyone,” Michael said.
“Michael! You’re supposed to say I look beautiful.”
“That goes without saying.”
The telephone rang. Christy grabbed it. She never made Michael do anything resembling work when he was home. It was Jerome Fudderman. He was beyond thrilled.
“You done it, Christy,” he said. “You done it!”
“No, you done it, Jerome. You’re the genius.”
“Yes, well, I am, aren’t I, heh-heh-heh?”
“Absolutely.”
“Guess what? Robert Beck wants you Wednesday night,” he said.
“Robert Beck wants me on his show Wednesday,” Christy whispered to Michael. “That’s great, Jerome. The Times and Robert Beck in the same week. You’re amazing. Amazing!”
“That’s just the beginning, kid. People’s covering you in this week’s issue. With my help, we’ll make you the most revered domestic diva on the planet.”
“Thanks, Jerome. Love ya.”
“Love ya, too, kid.”
Once Again, Galit Weighs In
I just spoke to Jerome. He seems pleased. She comes off as the classiest housewife on earth. I bet other guys are eating their hearts out right now. You have a sexy CEO wife who gave it all up to wait on you hand and foot. Galit
Galit, I know this is good for Christy, but I assure you, the last thing I want is a classy housewife. I married Christy for her brains, her guts, and her awesome accomplishments. And those stand, no matter what she does or doesn’t do for a living. Michael
I just hope you won’t find yourself missing the Christy you married. By the way, I will be asking for a review of your company’s financials as background for the book. Can I meet with your CFO? Do you want to be there? Galit
Sure, I will get back to you on how we’ll handle the meeting. Give me a list of the kind of questions you will want to ask so we can put the right reports together. Michael
Christy Live and in Person
Tonight. Exclusive! Christy Hayes Drummond. From Olympic star to high-flying CEO to traditional wife and mother. She’ll open
