Olympic Star's Battle Against Childhood Obesity Comes To OKC

Oklahoma is the sixth-worst state for obesity rates, with nearly one in three residents qualifying as obese, according to new data released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control.

That's why Summer Sanders, Olympic Gold medalist swimmer and a long-time TV host, is teaming with the US Tennis Association to tell people about free tennis events going on around the country.

Several of the free events are scheduled here in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Studies have shown that an early, positive experience in sports is creates a lifelong commitment to an active lifestyle. Physical inactivity is now an epidemic.

"If we reach children when they are young enough, before age 10, they can learn to love physical activity and sports for life," Sanders told News 9's Bobbie Miller.

Families can find a local event by visiting YouthTennis.com.

Following the interview with Bobbie, a studio camera operator here at News 9 appeared on camera to confess his childhood crush on Sanders. You can watch those videos at the top of this page.