A talented young weightlifter who's earned a spot on the 2025 national team. Abby shares her journey from childhood sports to overcoming bullying and setbacks, and how her faith and the support of the Grayslake community helped her thrive. She also discusses her advocacy with True Sport, promoting leadership and kindness among young athletes. Discovering Grayslake: Lessons in Resilience, Community, and Leadership from Abby Raymond In this heartfelt episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Wool sits down with Abby Raymond—a young, accomplished weightlifter who has qualified for the 2025 national team. Abby's story is more than a tale of athletic achievement; it's a journey through adversity, faith, and the power of community. Whether you're a parent, coach, young athlete, or simply someone who values the spirit of small-town support, Abby's insights offer actionable lessons for building resilience, fostering kindness, and leading with purpose. Below, we break down the main themes and actionable tips from Abby's story, providing in-depth guidance and expert advice for anyone navigating the challenges of youth sports, bullying, or personal growth. 1. Embracing Your Unique Path: The Power of Early Passion and Parental Support Abby's Journey Early Exposure:** Abby's athletic journey began in Roselle, Illinois, inspired by her father—a former Team USA wrestler. She started with gymnastics, then shifted to CrossFit and weightlifting after being inspired by "American Ninja Warrior." Parental Involvement:** Her father's commitment was unwavering, driving her an hour each way to train with elite coaches. Actionable Advice Encourage Exploration:** Let young athletes try multiple sports and activities. Early specialization isn't always necessary; passion often emerges from exploration. Be Present:** Parental support—whether logistical, emotional, or financial—can be the difference between a child's dream fading or flourishing. Seek Mentors:** Don't hesitate to reach out to local coaches or community members. Sometimes, a single connection can open doors to national or even international opportunities. 2. Overcoming Adversity: Navigating Bullying and Finding Identity Abby's Experience Unexpected Backlash:** After breaking national records at age 13, Abby faced bullying and rumors at school instead of support. Faith as Foundation:** A church game night invitation led Abby to embrace her Christian faith, helping her find identity and confidence beyond others' opinions. Actionable Advice Recognize the Signs:** Bullying isn't always obvious. Watch for changes in mood, withdrawal, or reluctance to attend school or practice. Build Inner Strength:** Encourage young people to find identity in values, faith, or passions—not just in external validation. Create Safe Spaces:** Schools, teams, and families should foster environments where achievements are celebrated and differences respected. Expert Insight Small Acts Matter:** Abby and David discuss how a simple smile, compliment, or invitation can change someone's day—or life. Never underestimate the power of kindness. 3. Turning Setbacks into Strength: The Doping Incident and Advocacy Abby's Challenge Unintentional Doping:** Abby faced a three-month ban after a supplement contamination, a devastating blow for any athlete. From Mess to Message:** Instead of hiding, Abby shared her story, becoming a national advocate for supplement safety and clean sport through USADA and True Sport. Actionable Advice Educate on Supplement Safety:** Athletes and parents should research supplements, use only certified products, and consult with professionals. Own Your Story:** Mistakes and setbacks can become powerful teaching tools. Sharing your journey can help others avoid similar pitfalls. Advocate for Clean Sport:** Support organizations like True Sport and USADA that promote integrity, accountability, and education in athletics. 4. Building Community: The Grayslake Experience and Paying It Forward Abby's Story Finding a Home:** When her parents moved to Florida, Abby turned to the Grayslake Moms Facebook group, offering nanny and meal prep services in exchange for affordable rent. Jodi Sink Mars, a local real estate agent, welcomed her in, becoming a mentor and second mother. Community Kindness:** Abby's experience highlights the unique, supportive spirit of Grayslake—a place where neighbors help neighbors, and one act of kindness can ripple through the community. Actionable Advice Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help:** Vulnerability can lead to unexpected blessings. Communities often want to help—sometimes you just need to ask. Pay It Forward:** Abby's gratitude has inspired her to help others in the future, creating a chain of kindness. Get Involved Locally:** Whether it's joining a parade, attending local events, or supporting small businesses, community engagement builds lasting connections. 5. Leadership and Mentorship: Abby's Work with True Sport Abby's Role Interactive Advocacy:** Abby participates in True Sport events, engaging directly with young athletes—not just from a stage, but side-by-side in activities and conversations. Core Values:** True Sport promotes bullying prevention, leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and accountability. Actionable Advice Lead by Example:** Authenticity and approachability make a bigger impact than distant speeches. Get involved, listen, and share your experiences. Promote Core Values:** Coaches, parents, and athletes should emphasize not just winning, but character development—kindness, teamwork, and responsibility. Mentor the Next Generation:** If you've overcome adversity, share your story. Young people need relatable role models who understand their struggles. 6. Resilience in Competition: Bouncing Back from Failure Abby's Reflection Mental Hurdles:** After "bombing out" (failing all attempts) in two competitions, Abby's next successful lift wasn't a record, but it was a personal victory over self-doubt. Growth Mindset:** Abby's biggest fear is failure, yet she continues to face it head-on, learning and growing from each setback. Actionable Advice Normalize Failure:** Coaches and parents should frame failure as a learning opportunity, not a dead end. Celebrate Small Wins:** Progress isn't always measured in medals. Overcoming mental barriers is just as important. Stay Persistent:** Success often comes to those who keep showing up, even after disappointment. 7. The Hometown Advantage: Why Community Matters Grayslake's Example Welcoming Spirit:** Abby's first day in Grayslake included being swept into a parade—an experience that made her feel instantly at home. Supportive Leaders:** People like Jodi Sink Mars exemplify the best of small-town leadership—generosity, hard work, and a genuine desire to help others. Actionable Advice Support Local:** Attend community events, frequent local businesses, and get to know your neighbors. Be a Connector:** If you're in a position to help, do so without expecting anything in return. Your kindness could change someone's life. Final Thoughts: Turning Adversity into Opportunity Abby Raymond's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and community. Her story reminds us that: Adversity can be a catalyst for growth.** Kindness and support are the backbone of strong communities.** Leadership is about lifting others up, not just personal achievement.** Whether you're an athlete, parent, coach, or community member, Abby's experiences offer a roadmap for overcoming challenges, building meaningful connections, and making a positive impact—right here in your hometown. Key Takeaways for Listeners Encourage young people to explore their passions and support them wholeheartedly. Recognize and address bullying; foster environments of acceptance and kindness. Turn setbacks into opportunities for advocacy and education. Don't be afraid to ask for help—and pay it forward when you can. Get involved in your community; small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Lead with authenticity, and mentor others by sharing your story. Discovering Grayslake isn't just about celebrating local heroes—it's about learning from them, and building a community where everyone can thrive. Want to get involved or learn more? Check out True Sport for resources on clean sport and youth leadership. Support local Grayslake businesses and events. Reach out to your neighbors—you never know whose life you might change. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Grayslake, where hometown spirit and big dreams go hand in hand.
