Chrissy felt the bar was set too high. In fact, Chrissy did not want the bar at all.
Though she had been part of Little City’s powerlifting team for some years, Chrissy (pictured left) never found much success. She had both physical and mental barriers when it came to lifting, especially when faced with the intimidating bench press.
“At first she wouldn’t even try to grip the bar for the bench press because she was so worried she wouldn’t be able to support it,” said Michael Cusick, Little City Director of Innovation Services and Special Olympics head coach. “We had to really work with her to get her to try and show her how the modifications could help.”
Slowly but surely, Chrissy overcame her concerns and trusted her abilities. A special strap helped Chrissy keep her wrists in the proper place and she started to gain confidence in her physical capabilities. And once Katlyn Shute, recreational therapist, joined the team to focus on the women athletes, Chrissy overcame her mental barriers and her confidence grew significantly.
Michael said a special relationship quickly blossomed between the two and Chrissy really started to push herself and make incredible progress.
“I am so proud of Chrissy and how she has challenged her limits,” Katlyn said. “She really loves to compete, she is an amazing teammate, and the first person to offer support in any way she can.”
The progress Chrissy made in 2024 could be seen in the results. After going years without ever medaling in powerlifting, Chrissy won three gold medals at the regional competition and followed it up with three more gold medals at the Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games. Her six golds over the two main competitions led all women on the team and contributed to the continued dominance Little City’s powerlifting team has become known for over the years at the state tournament.
Chrissy’s golds all resulted in personal bests on the bench press, deadlift, and combination, which adds the two totals. While the results were a memorable milestone for Chrissy the athlete, Michael said the real victory is in the progress she made as a person.
Programs like Little City’s Special Olympics take the competition seriously, but it is even more important to show how people with developmental disabilities can overcome not just the limitations and expectations of others, but the limitations they put on themselves.
Michael said there is no better example of Chrissy’s growth than in her relationship with her teammate Katie (pictured right). The two housemates are best of friends and have used their trust in each other to encourage and push each other. As a result, Katie also earned her first gold medal as a member of the Little City powerlifting team in 2024.
“Katie is a really great athlete and is capable of some incredible things,” Michael said. “I think Chrissy played a big part in getting some of that potential out of Katie and really the whole team.”
“Chrissy has definitely become a big leader and cheerleader for everyone. She gets more excited about her teammates’ accomplishments than her own.”
The relationship is on full display even in the smallest moments. As Katie and Chrissy prepared to take a picture for this story, Chrissy noticed Katie forgot her medals, immediately gave Katie some of her own and gave her a hug while reminding her she is her best friend.
Every year, Little City athletes discover new potential, life-changing relationships, and memorable moments because of your support. Thanks to you, Chrissy and Katie are working to hit new heights in 2025 in the weight room and in life.