116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Abigail Adams, triathlete and disabilities advocate, to speak in Cedar Rapids for Camp Courageous
After being diagnosed with “failure to thrive,” she’s done everything but fail
Aug. 11, 2023 5:45 am
CEDAR RAPIDS — When Abigail Adams was born, her parents were given a bleak picture about what life would be like with Down syndrome.
As she failed to steadily gain weight as an infant, doctor’s delivered an even scarier diagnostic term: “failure to thrive.”
“It was extremely frightening,” said her father, Steve Adams. “(We were told) her life was not going to be fun, she was not going to be able to do all the things typical kids did. It was just heartbreaking.”
But 23 years later, the Florida resident said his daughter has had more adventures than anybody he’s ever known. Today, her resume includes modeling, acting, inspirational speaking tours, partnerships with household name brands and impressive athletic accomplishments.
Determination combined with opportunity has given Abigail successes her family never dreamed possible decades ago.
“The information we got originally — that life was going to be bleak and unfun — was just not accurate,” he said. “Once you get out there, there’s a tremendous number of people who want to help.”
This Saturday, Abigail “The Advocate” Adams will be speaking in Cedar Rapids to show other families just how.
If you go:
What: Camp Courageous Triathlon: Hunter Kemper and Abigail the Advocate
When: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12
Where: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids
Details: Free to the public. Hear from Abigail Adams, a triathlete and inspirational speaker, and four-time Olympian and USA Triathlon Hall of Famer Hunter Kemper
Meet and greet to follow each presentation. This event is sponsored by Camp Courageous, a year-round recreational, respite and travel program for people of all ages with disabilities. Packet pickup for Sunday’s Camp Courageous Triathlon will follow each session at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to register for the triathlon visit campcourageous.org/sprint-triathlon/. Cost is $110.
How she did it
From a young age, Abigail’s magnetic personality has endeared her to many. In recent years, it’s translated well over social media, where hundreds of thousands of followers draw inspiration from her career as a young adult.
Early on, it started in small ways that broke down barriers between a child with Down syndrome and those unfamiliar with people who have it.
When people stop and stare — or look away in an attempt to not be rude — Abigail doesn’t shy away. She goes up and introduces herself by giving them a compliment. Whether they’re a server at a restaurant, a bystander or the person interviewing her, she’ll find a way to make them feel better about themselves.
In particular, the model loves to praise women’s makeup skills, nail styles and fashion acumen.
When people notice their differences, she doesn’t shy away from it — she embraces it with her ability to make friends quickly.
Like most success stories, Abigail had periods of trial and error before she found her stride. For example, the 4-foot-7-inch triathlete didn’t take well to soccer, and didn’t learn how to ride a bike until she was 19.
“With Down syndrome, it can take more time to be successful at things,” Steve explained. “The important thing is not giving up on that.”
What she has accomplished
Sparked with her involvement in the Special Olympics 18 years ago, Abigail quickly developed a love for sports like swimming, running, gymnastics and cheerleading. By high school, she made the varsity cheer team, leading her to travel for NFL events and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In July 2019, she became the first woman with Down syndrome in the world to complete a sprint triathlon — 800 yards of open water swimming, a 10.6-mile bike ride and a 5k run. Her next goal is to participate in Ironman.
Her interest in modeling and acting around age 16 led her to opportunities for Disney commercials, leading to campaigns with Nike, Adidas and Starbucks, to name a few.
With success, parents Steve and MaryAnne saw an opportunity for Abigail to have a platform not just for personal fame but for advocacy that could inspire others. Today, “The Advocate” is her middle name on social media.
“We wanted to get a message out that it’s not all gloom and doom,” Steve said. “But you have to get out there and try. It doesn’t have to be that way.”
Several years ago, she started giving inspiration speeches, primarily around her home state and the southeastern United States. As her TikTok views reached into the millions, her engagements around the country started to proliferate.
What she tells others
“You can do this. You can believe in yourself. Never give up,” is Abigail’s motto to audiences across the country today. “Reach high, be confident and help others.”
One place at a time, she’s aiming to help others with disabilities and their families realize the kind of potential she had — things they didn’t think they could do.
“I’m doing this for inclusion. I want the rest of my family to see I’m making a difference,” Abigail said. “I have my own dreams in life.”
One place at a time, families have emotional reactions to the 23-year-old who helps them realize that a world of opportunities await for them and their children — that their diagnosis doesn’t define their success.
And you don’t have to be a triathlete to “defy the odds,” she says.
That kind of attitude, along with her tagline of “no excuses,” has helped others become better people — whether they have special needs or not.
“That’s the goal, that’s why we’re here,” Steve told The Gazette en route from Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids.
Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com
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