17 Year Old Cheerleading Star Who Was Born Blind Is Now Breaking Barriers to Become Top Wrestler

Durham-based high school wrestling star Raeanna Halvorson‘s tale is a story full of determination and grit. Rae has successfully transformed the narrative for kids coping with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH), a notorious condition with visual hurdles. 

Beyond her impressive 3.9 GPA, Raeanna is a cheerleader who conquers the wrestling mat. Her story is not just a personal triumph; it also paves a guiding path for ONH warriors. Halvorson’s achievements prove that dreams aren’t bound by adversity, revealing that challenges can be conquered. 

Raeanna’s Journey of Perseverance

Born with ONH, Raeanna Halvorson was initially labeled as blind by doctors. Yet she defied the odds with every passing day. Raeanna’s father, Richard Halvorson, recalls, “She got older; they said she could see a little bit, then just a little bit more.” Raeanna’s gradual progression from sightlessness to having some vision astonished her family and even left her doctors in awe. “Now, because of what Raeanna has overcome, her doctors deem her a success story. So when other parents come in with their children who have what Rae has, her doctor can now tell them, ‘This is what your child can do”’, Richard added with glee. 

In addition to excelling in her personal journey, Raeanna has achieved remarkable success in her schooling and sports endeavors. Her commitment to academics is unwavering, with her prioritizing school work above all else. “My academics come first, before all of it,” Raeanna emphasized. “And so that’s been a great way to make sure I’ve been able to balance both. Academics first and cheer and wrestling second”, she answered, when asked about balancing her education and training. 

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A Glorious Future Ahead

Raeanna’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; she won multiple scholarships for both her wrestling prowess and her academic achievements. With offers from colleges in Nebraska and Missouri Valley College, she stands on the precipice of a new chapter in her life. For Raeanna Halvorson, stepping onto the wrestling mat is more than a sport; it is a sanctuary where stress and anxiety melt away. “It feels good,” she said, describing her time on the mat.

“All the stress, anxiety, all of it. It’s just everything goes out, and I’m just so clear. Like my head, I go in there, calm. And it just feels really good doing that,” she shared. Raeanna’s remarkable story reminds us that the human spirit can overcome any obstacle, rewriting the rules of what’s possible. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to anyone facing adversity. 

As Raeanna prepares to graduate from Durham High School, her future looks incredibly promising.

Raeanna Halvorson’s journey is a testament to her unyielding spirit. Her progression from a child with ONH to a top wrestler, cheerleader, and scholar is a testament to limitless potential and well-rounded excellence. Today, Raeanna stands as a shining example of what sheer determination and resilience can achieve. 

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