I always wanted to step on the mat when I was younger, but dad made me wait till I was old enough,” she said in a very matter of fact yet sure tone – a tone that reflects her own strength of character that is an inspiration whether you are 14, 41, or 94. Those are the words of 14-year-old Katelyn Bouyssou, currently the youngest U.S. player to go to the Senior World Championships.

How did Bouyssou manage to get as far as she has in a sport like Judo? Two things are a definite: dedicated parents and staunch determination.

Bouyssou’s parents have been supportive to her not only financially but also in the amount of time that they spend with her athletic career. Each weekend they drive her to competitions and help her through training. Her father as coach also helps the situation. Most may think it difficult having your father for your coach, but not Bouyssou who shares a very close relationship with her father – a relationship that has undoubtedly fed her success and helped with her self-confidence. “Its very helpful, I always get a lot of attention at home and [I’m] reminded to do things I need to do to become better.”

A strong will has aided Bouyssou in Judo and in school as she consistently makes honor roll. Currently in 9th grade, Bouyssou has been committed since age six when she began her goal of one thousand push-ups daily until the age of 12. Her drive stems from staying diligent in remembering that “there is someone always out there training harder than you” and that “it will all make sense and be worth it once you accomplish your goal.”

Sacrificing weekends and dealing with challenges from seniors who often underestimate her abilities, Bouyssou forges on with a fire in her spirit to one day be the first American to win the Olympics for Judo.

To those who may want to take on these challenges and reap the benefits, Bouyssou has this advice: “Do what is best for you and what is going to make you happy, and that usually goes toward working hard and training, and in the end it is all worth it. Even if you are not number one in the country, you will be number one in your heart . . . keep going and do what you know is best for you.”

With wisdom that seems beyond her years, Bouyssou not only demonstrates the importance of a supportive home, but also inspires us each to challenge our own limitations. “I’ve heard so many people when they are older say ‘oh I wish I could have put more time into this, I wish I could have put more work into that,’ you never hear anyone say I did too many pushups or I worked too hard. I never want to live with regret I always want to know I did everything I could to be who I want to be.”