On Monday, February 2, Gillispie School welcomed professional skateboarder, Olympian, and artist Bryce Wettstein for an inspiring presentation to students. Her visit was the perfect way to launch Gillispie's Innovators Olympics and aligned beautifully with the excitement of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan.
Bryce captivated students with a heartfelt message about dreaming big and trusting the process. She reminded them that once you begin dreaming of becoming something, you are already on your way, because you are growing into it. She shared that she first tried skateboarding at around five or six years old and fell in love with the freedom and creativity of the sport.
Bryce was also honored with the Fair Play Award at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which she shared with six fellow international skateboarders. The group received the award for an extraordinary display of sportsmanship after lifting competitor Misugu Okamoto onto their shoulders following a fall that ended Okamoto's podium hopes. Bryce explained that the moment was about putting a smile back on Okamoto’s face and reminding her that she was a winner for being there and competing, regardless of the outcome. This message resonated with all of us.
In addition to being a professional skateboarder, Bryce is also a musician, singer, and writer. She sang and played her ukulele and shared a poem she had written. A highlight of the presentation came when she amazed students by performing her famous handstand on her skateboard. To conclude the event, Bryce joined our Grade 1 students as they walked through campus with their Olympic torches to officially launch the Innovators Olympics. She also graciously signed autographs for students, much to their delight.
A native of Encinitas, California, Bryce is a two-time USA National Champion (2019, 2022), a 2021 USA National Championships podium finisher in the Women’s Park format, and a member of Team USA Skateboarding from 2019 to 2026. She competed in both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, advancing to the Women’s Park Final in Paris. Her career highlights also include Bronze at the 2025 Summer X Games, Bronze at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games, Gold at the 2023 Red Bull Rippers in Marseille, and Silver at Exposure.
We thank Bryce for this wonderful presentation. Her visit left a lasting impression on our students and community, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact of passion, creativity, and perseverance.
Look for more news about Gillispie's Innovators Olympics!