Heartland Hero: Plattsmouth girl with autism overcomes obstacles and inspires

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (WOWT) - Eighth grader Olivia Garrean has come a long way in her self-confidence.

“I couldn’t stand to look at myself and think ‘Hey this a person worthy of talking to. [Worthy of] respect.”

Four years ago, she played soccer but wanted to try something new.

“Wrestling is the sport that brought her out of her shell,” said her dad, Steve.

With wrestling, she blossomed socially, emotionally, and physically.

“I’m hooked on it. I can’t get off,” said Olivia.

Her first practice, however, started with anticipation and ended in tears.

“I saw all these kids just diving at the mats and I was scared I’m going to make a thud,” she said, recalling how she was overweight at the time.

“I thought that experiment was over and we would just go back to soccer,” said Olivia’s dad, Steve.

Trying something new was particularly challenging for Olivia, who has autism, OCD, and anxiety, but the next week she asked her dad to take her to practice.

“That first practice is going to feel like your body is going to fall apart, but it does get better,” said Olivia.

She now thrives in a sport where the National Wrestling Coaches Association says for every one girl who wrestles, there are eight boys on the mat. She credits her success in part to her coaches at Plattsmouth Wrestling Club, MWC Wrestling Academy in Papillion & Wrestling With Character in Gretna.

This season, she finished 67-3, earning state, regional, and national championships — her father Steve capturing the moments.

“The greatest experience of my life,” Steve said.

While it took a little wrestling to get out of her shell, she now feels comfortable in her own skin.

“Now I’m very confident,” said Olivia. “I hold myself high and I can say this person may not look the greatest. I was once there; they still deserve everything.”

Olivia and her father said her goal is to one day go to the Olympics for Wrestling. She hopes to do that by getting 1 percent better every day.

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