Photo credit: Macy Tarlton

What happened: USA Bobsled athlete Macy Tarlton visited Rusk Elementary on Friday, May 15, and spoke with students about perseverance, goal setting, and learning to embrace challenges while chasing big dreams. The visit was part of the Classroom Champions program, which connects students with Olympic, Paralympic, NCAA, and professional athletes.

The big picture: Tarlton shared how goal-setting became an important part of her journey at a young age and encouraged students to take small steps toward their dreams now rather than waiting until they feel fully prepared. Back in the classroom, students created dream boards and worked on goal mapping, learning how to break large goals into smaller, manageable steps.

Throughout the event, Tarlton encouraged students to understand that success is not always about immediate results, but about continuing to show up, improve, and stay committed through difficult moments. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and consistency, explaining that many of the same lessons learned through sports apply directly to life.

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Go deeper: Tarlton’s athletic journey gave students a firsthand example of adapting through challenges and stepping outside of comfort zones. Before becoming a USA Bobsled athlete, Tarlton competed in Olympic weightlifting in the 64-kilogram class, then transitioned to bobsled, where she later competed in national championships and Olympic Trials.

Tarlton shared lessons about overcoming self-doubt, learning from setbacks, and being willing to start something new even without immediate confidence or experience. She also discussed the value of mentorship and the impact athletes can have beyond competition by helping students navigate challenges, build confidence, and grow through adversity.