Stay Humble, Stand Firm...

Stay Humble, Stand Firm...

That truth has been at the heart of our family’s journey, especially watching Tim grow as an athlete.

Scripture tells us in Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” That verse reminds us that no matter how far God takes us, humility must always lead the way.

Watching Tim’s journey—from 11 years of Taekwondo, earning his 3rd degree black belt, to stepping into Olympic weightlifting—has been a lesson in both humility and confidence. There have been victories, setbacks, transitions, hard decisions, and moments where we had to trust God even when we couldn’t see the full picture.

Leaving one sport after so many years wasn’t easy. It meant walking away from what was familiar and stepping into something completely new. But sometimes God calls us out of what is comfortable so He can lead us into what He has prepared.

Over the last few years, we’ve watched Tim grow—not just in strength, but in discipline, perseverance, and faith. We’ve watched him sacrifice, train, trust the process, and keep showing up. And now, in his first year as a Junior athlete, God allowed him to reach a huge milestone: becoming a Junior National Champion with USA Weightlifting.

At Nationals, Tim hit personal records with a 101kg/222lb Snatch and a 130kg/286lb Clean & Jerk, totaling 231kg/509lb, earning Bronze in Snatch, Silver in Clean & Jerk, and Gold in Total—making him the overall Junior National Champion in his division.

That moment was bigger than medals. It was the fruit of years of trusting God, staying disciplined, and being willing to walk through change.

But through it all, one thing we’ve tried to keep in front of him is this: medals, titles, and championships do not define him.

Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” His worth was never in the platform—it was in Christ long before he ever stepped on it, and it will remain there long after.

As a family, we’ve learned that humility means understanding every gift, every opportunity, and every victory comes from God. It means celebrating wins with gratitude, learning from losses with grace, and remembering that no matter what titles you earn, you are never above anyone else.

But wisdom reminds us we are no less either.

God has uniquely equipped each of us for the road He has called us to walk. Sometimes that road requires hard decisions, stepping away from what no longer serves the purpose He has for us, and trusting Him enough to keep moving forward.

Tim’s journey has become part of our family’s testimony. It’s not just about becoming a champion in sport—it’s about becoming who God created him to be.

And as parents, our journey has been learning to trust God with the process—even when it stretched us, humbled us, and pushed us beyond what felt safe.

Through it all, we keep coming back to this truth:

Stay Humble.
Stand Confident.
Trust God Fully.

Because when your identity is rooted in Christ, your purpose will always be greater than your platform. 

Focus on Where You’re Going...

Focus on Where You’re Going...

“Focus on where you’re going & discipline yourself to get there.”

That sounds simple, but living it out is where the real work begins.

Too often, we get distracted by what’s behind us—past mistakes, setbacks, missed opportunities, or even the opinions of others. But if you spend too much time looking backward, you’ll lose sight of the path ahead.

The truth is, reaching any goal takes vision, sacrifice, and discipline.

Discipline is what keeps you moving when motivation fades. As Jim Rohn said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

I’ve watched that truth play out firsthand in our son Tim’s journey.

This past week, USA Weightlifting Jr. Nationals became the stage where years of hard work, sore muscles, missed social events, and relentless training all came together. Tim didn’t become a National Champion overnight. That title was built in the unseen moments—the days he showed up when he was tired, when lifts didn’t go his way, and when progress felt slow.

He stayed focused on where he was going.

He disciplined himself to get there.

And because of that, he stood on the platform and earned the title of 2026 Junior National Champion.

That’s the lesson.

Success in life, faith, family, and goals isn’t accidental. It’s intentional.

The road won’t always be easy. There will be obstacles. There will be people who doubt you. There will be moments when quitting feels easier.

But if God has placed something in front of you, keep your eyes fixed on it.

Stay focused.
Stay disciplined.
Stay faithful.

Because where you’re going is worth every step it takes to get there.

Tim's Medal Ceremony...

Here's the video of Tim's medal ceremony from June 24th...

The video is a little chopped up, but in Scot's defense, he's used to me being the one behind the camera...LOL! I was so excited and emotional for our boy that I just couldn't do the video myself. What a moment.

Tim's Winning Lifts from HOOKGRIP...

101kg Snatch Lift

130kg Clean & Jerk Lift

These are his best lifts that won him National Champion at USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals this year on June 24th. Enjoy watching them.

All of Tim's 2026 Nationals Loot...

All of Tim’s 2026 Nationals Loot…

Tim’s competition number, lift card, event tee, medals, and Champion patch from Nationals—each piece tells the story of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice it took to get here.

None of this came easy.

From intense training sessions, sore muscles, missed lifts, and learning to trust the process, Tim has put in the work day after day. To see it all come together on the national platform in his very first year as a Junior competitor makes this moment even sweeter.

He walked away with Bronze in Snatch, Silver in Clean & Jerk, and most importantly—Gold in Total, earning him the title of 2026 National Champion in the 71kg Junior Division.

And just to clear up any confusion—being a National Champion means finishing first in total. That’s the standard. That’s how it works.

So while others may try to claim the title, there’s no debate here.

Tim earned it.

We are beyond proud of him—not just for the medals or the patch, but for the grit, humility, and determination he’s shown throughout this journey. This is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for him next.

USA Junior Nationals 2026 Champion...

Today was an incredible day for our son, Tim, as he stepped onto the platform for the first time as a Junior competitor at the USA Junior Weightlifting Nationals in Colorado Springs.

He walked away the Champion in the 71kg Junior Men’s Division.

His results on the day:

Snatch: 98kg, 101kg, 104kg (attempted, but missed)
Clean & Jerk: 120kg, 124kg, 130kg (PR)
Total: 231kg (PR)

And the medals:

🥉 Bronze in Snatch (101kg)
🥈 Silver in Clean & Jerk (130kg)
🥇 Gold in Total (231kg) — making him the overall National Champion of his division.

To say we are elated is an understatement.

Tim has worked incredibly hard to reach this moment. In many ways, this has been years in the making—stretching back to his foundation in the sport he trained in before weightlifting, where discipline, perseverance, and grit were first forged.

To think that less than three years ago he made the transition into Olympic weightlifting, and today he stands as a USA National Champion, is nothing short of remarkable.

We are beyond proud of the young man, athlete, and competitor he has become. This is only the beginning.

Lift Day...

Lift Day...

Today, in Colorado Springs, Tim lifts at 2:00 PM local time (4:00 PM Eastern) for all of you back home cheering him on. The event will be available to stream online, though there may be a viewing fee—please check for the official broadcast details at USA Weightlifting National's Event page. There is a link as you scroll down the page for livestreaming. 

We’ll continue to update this blog with how Tim performs once his session is complete, so stay tuned for results and highlights.

As a first-year Junior, Tim is excited for the opportunity to compete alongside some incredible lifters today. More than anything, he’s looking forward to learning from the experience—watching how other competitors do, and continuing to grow in the sport he loves.

Tim Found His Name...

Tim found his name on the board. Such an exciting time to be alive and thriving and going after goals and achieving them here in 2026...

Tim is really looking forward to stepping onto the platform again at USAW Junior Nationals 2026 this year. It will be his first time competing as a Junior.

Prayers that he meets all the goals he has set for himself at this year's Nationals. Also, prayers that his sinuses settle down and don't affect his ability to lift the numbers he's aiming for.

We love being part of the weightlifting community and seeing so many people we know succeed at their meets. It has been such a joy to be involved in this sport and to get to know so many wonderful people. We feel more connected to this sport than we ever did when Tim was competing in the sport side of TaeKwonDo.

Life has a funny way of working out the way it's supposed to, exactly when it's supposed to. I'm so thankful to God, whose timing is always perfect.

Now the Work Begins...

After days of traveling across the country, we finally arrived yesterday in Colorado Springs for USA Weightlifting Nationals Week.

As exciting as it is to get here, the reality is that the competition doesn't start the moment you arrive. In many ways, this is where the real work begins.

Over the next couple of days, Tim will focus on getting his body acclimated to the elevation, adjusting to the environment, and spending time in the training hall preparing for competition day. Every athlete has their own routine leading up to a meet, and these days are an important part of the process.

It's always impressive to watch the level of dedication these athletes have. Most people only see the few minutes they spend on the competition platform, but they don't see the months and years of training, early mornings, sore muscles, sacrifices, and discipline that got them there. They don't see the countless hours spent perfecting technique, chasing personal records, and pushing through days when motivation isn't easy to find.

As parents, we're incredibly proud of the work Tim has put in to reach this point. His journey into Olympic weightlifting began after closing the chapter on a sport he had spent over a decade pursuing. Watching him embrace a new challenge, commit himself fully, and continue growing as both an athlete and a young man has been a blessing.

Now we wait for competition day.

Lift Day is June 24th at 4:00 PM Eastern, and we're excited to see all of his hard work put to the test. No matter what happens on the platform, he's already accomplished something special by earning his place here among the nation's best.

We're grateful for the opportunity to be here, grateful for the coaches, teammates, and supporters who have encouraged him along the way, and grateful for the memories we're continuing to make as a family.

The travel is done.

The preparation continues.

Now the work begins.

#USAW #USAWeightlifting #AthleticLabWeightlifting #CarolinasWSO #Nationals2026 #RoadToNationals #WeightliftingFamily #ProudParents

We Have Arrived in Colorado Springs...

Well, we did it again—we drove all the way to Colorado Springs for USA Weightlifting Nationals with Tim!

Thankfully, this trip got a little easier this year now that we can divide the driving between the three of us. I can still remember the days when Tim was competing in Taekwondo and Scot and I had to split all of those long drives ourselves. There were plenty of early mornings, late nights, countless hotel stays, fast-food meals on the road, and more miles than I could ever begin to count.

Looking back, I wouldn't trade a single one of those moments.

Those years gave us so many memories together as a family. Some of our best conversations have happened while traveling down the highway. We've laughed together, prayed together, dreamed together, and watched our son pursue the goals God has placed before him.

One of my favorite parts of road trips is seeing parts of the country that we'd never experience otherwise. Last year and this year are no exception. As we crossed through the Midwest, we saw what felt like endless fields and some of the largest windmills I've ever seen—it's impressive to see. Pictures truly don't do them justice. Standing hundreds of feet in the air, they seemed to stretch endlessly across the landscape. It's amazing to think about the engineering behind them and how small they make everything else look by comparison. They are a reminder of just how vast and beautiful God's creation really is.

Now we're settled in and looking forward to an incredible week together. We love supporting Tim on this journey he's on with Olympic weightlifting. Watching him grow—not just as an athlete, but as a young man—has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

This will be Tim's first Nationals as a Junior lifter, and we're excited to see what he accomplishes. More than the medals, records, or rankings, we're proud of the discipline, perseverance, and character he's developed along the way. Those things will serve him long after the competition platform is gone.

And yes, we still have a dream tucked away in our hearts. We can't wait for the day when we see "USA" across his chest. Whether that day comes or not, we're incredibly grateful to be along for the ride and to have a front-row seat to this chapter of his story.

Here's to another road trip, another competition, and more memories we'll cherish for years to come.

❤️🏋️‍♂️🇺🇸🚗

Travel Day - USAW Nationals 2026...

Travel Day - USAW Nationals 2026...

Today we begin our journey to Colorado Springs for USAW Nationals Week! The first leg of the trip includes a stopover at Tim’s uncle’s house for about a day and a half—roughly an 8-hour drive from home.

From there, we’ll start the second leg of the trip, which will be a much longer drive into Colorado Springs.

Thankfully, there are three of us taking turns driving, which will make the trip much easier. Tim will actually be driving the entire first leg to prove to his dad and me that he can handle that kind of distance on his own. He’s hoping to make a solo trip later this year to visit a friend, and it’s about the same driving distance as this first stretch to his uncle’s house.

Once we arrive in Colorado, on Sunday the 21st, the fun begins—two days in the training hall followed by competition day.

This will be Tim’s first time competing at Nationals as a Junior competitor, and he’s excited for everything he’ll learn from the experience, especially getting to watch so many talented athletes compete and lift at that level.

Safe travels to everyone heading to Nationals this week! We are looking forward to seeing everyone lift—especially Tim😊.

Before the Elevation...

Before the Elevation...

This season has taught me something deeply—before God elevates you, He will often reveal the hearts around you.

Not to hurt you. Not to discourage you. But to prepare you.

As I’ve watched Tim grow—not just as an athlete, but as a young man stepping into adulthood—I’ve seen this firsthand. From homeschooling for 12 years, to watching him graduate, to now standing on national platforms in weightlifting, it has been a journey of faith, sacrifice, and obedience. And with every new level, God has been faithful to show us who is truly for him, who is simply watching, and who needs to be loved from a distance.

Growth has a way of exposing things.

When God begins to move in your life, not everyone can go where He’s taking you. Some relationships shift. Some people celebrate you from afar, while others become uncomfortable with your growth. That can be hard—especially as a mother watching your child step into his purpose.

But I’ve realized something: God doesn’t reveal hearts to make us bitter. He reveals them to give us discernment.

As Tim steps into this next chapter—competing, working alongside us in the family business, and figuring out what adulthood looks like—I know the road ahead will be filled with opportunities, challenges, and lessons. And one of the greatest lessons is understanding that your circle matters.

Who you walk with matters.

Who speaks into your life matters.

Who prays for you matters.

God has a way of pruning before promoting.

Sometimes the separation feels lonely. Sometimes it feels unfair. But often it’s protection. He removes what would hinder the calling He placed on your life.

As a mom, I can honestly say this season has stretched me too. Watching Tim grow up, watching him chase big dreams, and knowing I can’t go into every room with him like I used to has made me trust God in a deeper way. Because ultimately, Tim belongs to God before he ever belonged to me.

And I trust that the same God who has brought him this far will guide every next step.

Before elevation comes revelation.
Before promotion comes pruning.
Before the next level comes discernment.

And for that, I’m thankful. Because God is always preparing us for where He’s taking us.

Packing for National's...

Packing for National's...

Washing and packing for a long trip always seems never-ending—even when you have a list to guide you. You can check things off one by one, feel like you’re making progress, and then suddenly realize there’s always something you forgot or didn’t think you’d need. Of course, that item ends up being the exact thing you’re now trying to squeeze into your luggage at the last minute…LOL!

As exciting as the destination is, it’s the getting there that can really drain you. Between washing clothes, organizing gear, double-checking lists, and making sure nothing important gets left behind, it feels like the to-do list just keeps growing instead of shrinking. There’s always something else that needs attention, and it never quite feels “finished” until you’re finally on the road.

If you’re anything like me, lists are your best friends. Honestly, I don’t know how people keep track of everything without them. My family likes to tease me about how many lists I make, but they’ve also seen how helpful they are—so the jokes are only so serious. At this point, they know if it’s not on the list, it probably won’t happen.

But even with all the packing chaos, there’s still something special about it. It means Nationals is here. The preparation, the rush, the last-minute reminders—it’s all part of getting ready for something exciting and meaningful.

In four short days, we will be on the road traveling to our first destination—Uncle Jeff’s—before heading to our final destination: Nationals. Looking forward to the week ahead and all the fun we will have.

Nationals Bound...

I ordered this t-shirt for Tim, and we'll pick it up when we arrive at Nationals in just a couple of weeks.

It may seem like a simple shirt to some people, but to us it represents so much more. It represents the countless hours of training, the early mornings, the sore muscles, the sacrifices, and the commitment it has taken to get to this point.

This year marks Tim's first Nationals as a Junior competitor, and that makes it even more special.

As a parent, it's incredible to watch your child pursue something they truly love. I've watched Tim pour his heart into this sport, setting goals for himself and working day after day to achieve them. Success doesn't happen overnight, and it certainly doesn't happen without hard work. What makes me proud isn't just the numbers he puts on the platform—it's the discipline, determination, and character he has developed along the way.

Nationals is about more than medals and records. It's an opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in the country, to learn from experienced lifters, and to gain valuable experience that will help him continue to grow in the sport. Every competition teaches something new, and we know he will come home stronger, wiser, and more motivated regardless of the outcome.

Of course, we're praying that he reaches the goals he has set for himself. We're praying for personal records, successful lifts, confidence on the platform, and a competition day that reflects all the hard work he has invested throughout the year. But more than that, we're praying that he enjoys the experience and embraces every moment of it.

Looking back, it's amazing to see where this journey has taken him. What started as an interest has grown into a passion, and now he's preparing to compete on one of the biggest stages available to him at this level. That's something worth celebrating.

The shirt is a fun souvenir, but the real reward is seeing a young man chase his dreams with determination and perseverance. No matter what happens at Nationals, we're already proud of how far he's come.

Now the countdown is on, and we can't wait to see what God has in store for him during this next chapter of his journey.

When One Door Closes, God Opens Another...

When One Door Closes, God Opens Another...

I came across this graphic about bad coaches, and it immediately brought back memories of a difficult season in our family's life.

A coach has the power to influence an athlete in ways that go far beyond wins and losses. The right coach can inspire confidence, encourage growth, and help an athlete reach their full potential. Unfortunately, the wrong coach can do just the opposite.

A bad coach can make an athlete question their abilities. They can tear down confidence instead of building it up. They can create an unhealthy environment where athletes feel like they are never good enough, no matter how hard they work.

We experienced that firsthand with Tim.

There was a time when Tim was involved in a sport that he truly loved. He worked hard, showed up, put in the effort, and gave it everything he had. Yet despite all of that, he found himself under the leadership of a coach who treated him unfairly. Instead of encouraging him, the situation left him discouraged and questioning whether he even wanted to continue.

As a parent, it's heartbreaking to watch your child go through something like that. You want to fix it. You want to protect them from the hurt. But sometimes all you can do is walk beside them and trust God with the outcome.

Eventually, Tim made the difficult decision to walk away.

At the time, it felt like a loss. Walking away from something you've invested so much time, energy, and passion into is never easy. There were moments when we wondered what would come next. Would he find something else he loved? Would he ever regain the confidence that had been chipped away?

What we couldn't see then was that God was already preparing the next chapter.

Not long after leaving that sport behind, Tim discovered Olympic weightlifting.

What started as something new quickly became something much bigger.

The sport challenged him physically and mentally. It required discipline, focus, consistency, and perseverance. More importantly, it put him around coaches and athletes who believed in him, encouraged him, and helped him develop both as an athlete and as a person.

Today, watching Tim compete in Olympic weightlifting has been nothing short of amazing.

The young man who once had his confidence shaken is now setting goals, breaking personal records, competing at a high level, and pursuing a dream of one day wearing USA across his chest. The very setback that seemed so devastating at the time became the stepping stone that led him exactly where he was meant to be.

Looking back, I can honestly say that if that coach hadn't treated Tim the way he did, Tim may never have left. And if he had never left, he may never have discovered the sport where he is truly thriving today.

That doesn't excuse the hurt or make what happened right. But it does remind me of a powerful truth:

God can use even painful circumstances to redirect us toward something better.

Sometimes a closed door isn't punishment—it's protection.

Sometimes a disappointment is actually a divine redirection.

Sometimes what feels like the end of a dream is simply God leading us to a bigger one.

If you're walking through a difficult situation right now—whether it's a coach, a job, a friendship, or some other disappointment—don't assume the story is over. What feels like a setback today may become the very thing that launches you into your next season.

Tim's story reminds me that our greatest opportunities can sometimes be found on the other side of our greatest disappointments.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." — Romans 8:28

Today, I'm grateful that Tim didn't quit altogether. He simply found a different path. And that path has led him farther than we ever imagined. ❤️🏋️‍♂️🇺🇸

Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

This is the preliminary schedule for Junior Nationals. While the schedule rarely changes, we will keep everyone updated if any adjustments are made.

Tim is excited to once again represent Athletic Lab Weightlifting and Carolinas WSO at this meet. Last year, he narrowly missed earning a medal due to a judging error that unfortunately could not be reversed, even after it was acknowledged. While that was disappointing, it became part of the learning process and motivation moving forward.

This year, Tim's focus is different. Since this is his first year competing in a new division, the emphasis is less about medals and more about growth, progress, and personal records. In Olympic weightlifting, gains matter. Every extra kilo on the bar represents hours of discipline, sacrifice, and determination behind the scenes.

One of the greatest joys as parents is having a front row seat to our son’s journey in this sport. Watching him pursue something he truly loves these past almost four years now has been incredibly rewarding. The confidence, discipline, and happiness this sport has brought into his life means far more than any medal ever could, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything he has accomplished so far.

Olympic weightlifting is very different from the sport Tim previously competed in because the results are straightforward—you either make the lift or you don’t. The numbers speak for themselves. While judging is still part of the sport, controversial calls are far less common. There’s a level of clarity and fairness in weightlifting that we deeply appreciate.

What stands out most, though, is the community surrounding this sport. Olympic weightlifting is filled with people who genuinely want to see one another succeed. When a lifter misses an attempt, you can feel the disappointment throughout the entire venue—not just from their own family, friends, or teammates. And when someone has a rough day, the community rallies around them with encouragement and support.

Tim is truly thriving in Olympic weightlifting, and it has been amazing to watch him grow not only as an athlete, but also as a young man through this journey.

No matter what happens at Junior Nationals this year, we already consider this journey a success. Medals, records, and rankings are wonderful accomplishments, but they are not what define Tim. What matters most is the character being built through the process—the discipline to keep showing up, the perseverance to push through setbacks, and the humility to continue learning and growing.

We are beyond thankful for the coaches, teammates, friends, and family members who continue to support and encourage him along the way. Every competition is another opportunity to learn, improve, and become stronger both mentally and physically.

As Tim steps onto the platform this year, our prayer is simple: that he lifts with confidence, enjoys every moment, stays healthy, and walks away proud of the work he has put in. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for him in this sport, and we are grateful to be cheering him on every step of the way.

Keep Doing Your Best...

This message cuts deeper than simple motivation—it speaks to the reality of what high-level performance actually demands.

At the top, external validation is inconsistent at best. Crowds cheer when you win, go silent when you don’t, and critics are always waiting. If your drive depends on praise, you’ll burn out or break down the moment it disappears. The best athletes learn early: you cannot outsource your belief.

“Keep doing your best every day” isn’t about perfection—it’s about discipline. Some days your “best” is a personal record. Other days it’s just showing up when your body is tired, your mind is off, or life is heavy. What separates elite athletes is that they show up anyway. Consistency beats intensity over time. This is Tim—all day long. 

“And if no one is proud of you…”—that’s real. As Tim's parents we see it all—the highs and the lows and everything in between—and we are proud of him. What the phrase "if no one is proud you" is getting at is the outside world because—let's face it—there are long stretches where no one sees the sacrifices, the missed events, the quiet grind. Progress at the highest level is often invisible before it’s undeniable. If you need recognition during those seasons, you’ll lose momentum. 

So, “Be proud of yourself.” That’s the anchor! Not arrogance, but earned confidence. It comes from knowing you honored your standard when no one was watching. You stuck to the process. You didn’t cut corners. You kept going when it would’ve been easier to quit.

Tim has learned to be proud of himself. It's anchored him because he knows he's honored his standard when no one is watching. He's stuck to the process. He hasn't cut corners. He keeps going when it would be easier to just quit. 

Elite athletes don’t just train their bodies—they train their mindset to be self-sustaining. Because when the spotlight fades, when the noise dies down, and when it’s just you and the work…

That’s where greatness is actually built.

So Many Thoughts...

So many thoughts have been running through my mind as I think about Tim turning 18 in just a month—and then graduating high school only five days later. It all feels a bit surreal. Some days it seems like just yesterday he was a baby in my arms. Oh, how I miss those days.

As a baby and toddler, he was such a character—full of energy and life. He went from crawling, to wobbling on his feet, to taking a few steps… and then he was off and running. From that moment on, he was everywhere and into everything—like a curious little explorer. We had to stay on our toes to keep him safe as he discovered the world around him. Somehow, even when he managed to slip away and take a few “express routes” down the stairs, he always came out without a scratch. Crazy, right?

As kindergarten approached, we knew traditional school might not be the best fit for him. With all that energy, we worried he’d be labeled instead of understood. We wanted to nurture his curiosity, not stifle it—so we chose to homeschool. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. He has absolutely thrived. He’s become an independent, hands-on learner who isn’t afraid to figure things out on his own. Honestly, he can do things on a computer that I can only dream of…LOL!!

In fourth grade though, Tim faced a significant medical setback that required him to repeat the year. When he reached high school, he was determined to graduate on time, so he took on an intense academic workload to make it happen. In 10th grade, he completed both his 10th-grade studies and half of his 11th-grade coursework. Then, during his senior year, this school year, he's finished the remaining 11th-grade work while also completing all of his senior requirements. We knew he could do it and in just 28 days or so he will have it all done.

Of course, we also knew he needed a strong outlet for all his energy. He began TaeKwonDo at just 4 years old and continued until he was 15. During that time, he earned his 3rd Dan black belt, along with countless medals and trophies. More importantly, he developed discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. He has dreams of competing on the world stage, but ultimately he realized that path would not come through TaeKwondo.

In 2023, he found Olympic weightlifting—and it was like everything clicked into place. This is where he belongs. His build, his mindset, his drive—it all fits. And all those years in TaeKwonDo? They weren’t wasted at all. They laid the foundation for the success he’s experiencing now.

It feels like everything is moving in fast forward as he steps into becoming his own man. Turning 18 is a huge milestone, and graduating high school just days later makes it even more significant. I’m so excited for what lies ahead for him, because I truly believe it’s going to be something special. He has a determination that can’t be taught—a fire to chase his dreams with everything he has. I have no doubt he’ll stand on that world stage one day, representing our country—or give everything in him trying. And through it all, he knows he has our unwavering support.

His dad and I are so grateful to have a front-row seat to this journey. Our greatest dream is simply to watch him achieve his own.

In just 31 days, he’ll turn 18. In 36 days, he’ll be finished with high school. With each passing day, the excitement builds as we get closer to these incredible milestones.

We are so incredibly proud of you - Tim! We love you to the moon and beyond! 

Thank You, God, for the gift of Tim. These nearly 18 years with him have been such an incredible journey. We’re so grateful for every moment and look ahead with excitement as we watch him continue to grow into the man he’s becoming. This next chapter may look different, but it’s one we welcome with full hearts and great anticipation.

Luxiaojun Power Pro - The Horse Edition - Weightlifting Shoe...

Just ordered Tim these shoes yesterday! They only made 600 pairs of these limited-edition shoes, so they’re extra special. I can’t wait for them to arrive so Tim can finally wear them. He’s so excited to be getting them! Luxiaojun weightlifting shoes have become his absolute favorite go to shoe for weightlifting. He’s tried several different brands, but these are by far the ones he loves most.

From This, To This, To This....

Tim has been an elite athlete since the age of 8. From then until he was 15, his whole world revolved around Taekwondo sparring. He was a fighter—and a very good one. But what made it difficult for him to truly excel in that sport was his height. In Taekwondo sparring, height creates a major advantage because the sport is so leg-dominant. Taller athletes naturally have more reach, allowing them to strike from distances their opponents often can’t match. Add talent to that physical advantage, and it becomes an incredibly powerful combination.

Tim absolutely had the talent—there was never any doubt about that. The challenge was consistently facing opponents who were taller and had that reach advantage. No matter how hard he worked, it limited how far he could go in the sport. So, he made the decision to switch paths.

That decision changed everything.

When Tim discovered Olympic-style weightlifting, he truly found his calling. For so long, he believed Taekwondo sparring was where he was meant to be, but stepping into weightlifting revealed something even greater. In this sport, he has grown by leaps and bounds and found success right out of the gate—success on a level that simply wasn’t possible for him in Taekwondo.

I’ve often said since he switched sports that I wish I could get back the thousands upon thousands of dollars we spent on sparring. But the truth is, that journey laid the foundation for the success he’s having now in weightlifting. I don’t think Tim—or even we as his parents—fully realize just how much his years in sparring prepared him for this moment. The discipline, explosiveness, body control, mental toughness, and athletic foundation he developed all helped shape the athlete he is today.

Now, in just a little over a month, Tim will turn 18, and five days later he’ll graduate high school. He’ll continue pursuing his weightlifting dreams while also working alongside his dad in the family business.

Through it all, Tim has always carried the same dream in his heart: to represent our country on the world stage—at Worlds and the Olympics. The path to that dream may have changed, but the dream itself has not. His goals are still alive, stronger than ever, and he is relentlessly driven toward them.

We are beyond proud of everything this young man is accomplishing.

God has an incredible plan for Tim’s life, and we have the blessing of a front-row seat to watch it unfold. What a joy and privilege that is for us as his parents.