APOPKA, Fla. – At just 4 years old, Braelynn Farmer, better known as River, is already making a big impression with the Apopka Royals Competition Cheer Team, despite facing medical challenges few understand.
“So, we actually got nominated to be in the Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year. And she was diagnosed back in October with DiGeorge syndrome. Not a lot of people know about this syndrome,” said Tiffany Clark, River’s mother.
River was born with club feet and a stubborn mucus cleft palate, which keeps her non-verbal. She communicates her passion on stage through sign language.
“In one of our last competitions, we had her doing the sign language, a RC up on stage, and then once the entire crowd realized what she was doing, the entire crowd joined in and was doing a RC with her,” Tiffany Clark said. “Proud? I just want to cry, honestly.”
She has worked hard to overcome fears and develop new skills.
“She was terrified to try back walkovers and cartwheels, but she’s not scared to try anymore. She knows that me and both her coaches are there to spot her,” Tiffany Clark said.
River’s brother, Brantley Clark, is also a member of the cheer team.
“It feels awesome. My favorite part might be me being on the stage, because I just feel so impressed for her in front of everyone,” he said.
Coaches Diana and McKenzie Tucker say River’s determination and spirit inspire the entire team.
“Honestly, we treat her exactly like everyone else. She understands everything. She may not be able to talk, but she can definitely communicate her needs,” Diana Tucker said.
“She has no problem understanding what’s going on. She can do everything everybody else can. A couple of the girls on the team didn’t even know that she couldn’t talk,” McKenzie Tucker said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, McKenzie Tucker learned sign language.
“I taught River how to communicate with the alphabet so she could say the first letter and we could figure it out,” she said.
Tiffany Clark says this nomination means more than just recognition.
“We would win $25,000, which could cover a lot of medical bills because Medicare doesn’t cover all her specialists,” she said.
Voting for the top 20 athletes ends on Aug. 7 and you can click here to vote for free.