Oliver

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

He can stand out as an individual in gymnastics & diving, but be part of a team in cheer. The three sports work together & he uses the skills from one to make the others better. So many boys play the "normal" sports like baseball, basketball, football, & soccer, so he likes that he can be unique & excel. With his hearing loss, team sports are difficult to navigate, but he says "with diving and gymnastics, it doesn't matter that I can't hear. I just know what I have to do."

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Brody Malone, Frederick Richards, Donnell Whittenburg, Steele Johnson, Tom Daley, and Simone Biles. They’ve all faced adversity with injuries, mental blocks, and/or scrutiny, but kept their eyes on their goals. I admire their ability to block out the noise and just train and compete.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

He had some scary health issues that really derailed training. I thought his season was over since doctors cleared him only 1 week before a big qualifying meet. He needed Top 3 to go to Nationals, but I didn't think he could possibly be physically and mentally ready to perform at that level. He had a goal just to finish the meet. Place did not matter. He locked in & had some of his best diving ever, earning 2nd place behind a diver who went on to win Nationals. He did not give up. He is amazing.