With its flashy tricks and charisma, the yo-yo is nearly a rite of passage for kids. But after receiving one in 2024, 10-year-old Grayson Rhea has barely set it down since.
In fact, he’s become a nationally ranked yo-yo athlete.
The world of yo-yoing
Grayson, the son of a retired Air Force Reserve master sergeant, has represented the United States at the World YoYo Contest in Prague (2025) and performs at community events, children’s hospitals, TEDx Charleston, and military-connected events. In 2025, he won the U.S. National Yo-Yo Champion in the Sport 9-and-under division and continues to perform and place in professional divisions.
“I first got interested in yo-yoing after seeing a video of tricks that looked really cool and different from anything I’d ever seen… I wanted to keep improving and seeing what was possible,” he said.
Grayson’s parents shared that what started as a simple hobby quickly became something much bigger, stating that it’s been incredible to watch not just his confidence develop, but also his discipline and leadership.
When he’s not training under competitive yo-yoer Hunter Feuerstein or competing in national championships, Grayson loves teaching yo-yo tricks to others, most recently performing at Joint Base Charleston’s summer reading kickoff.
Beyond the performance
Grayson shared that his parents have taught him resilience, courage and discipline; all skills he takes onto the stage.
“Being a military family means community is really important, and our family loves to give back; one of my favorite things is using yo-yoing to make people smile,” Grayson said.
Programs like Little Blessings and Our Military Kids have supported Grayson’s growth and confidence along the way, and his family is deeply grateful for organizations that invest in military children and families.
When kids see him perform, Grayson hopes they leave feeling excited to try something new.
“Yo-yoing teaches patience, creativity, and confidence, but it’s also just really fun,” he said. “If I can help [military kids] smile, laugh, and believe in themselves, that means a lot to me.”
Lessons for the future
Grayon shared he’s most proud of his 2025 U.S. National Championship freestyle routine.
“I worked really hard preparing for that routine, so landing everything the way I practiced felt amazing. It taught me how important preparation, focus, and confidence are during competitions.”
Grayson is grateful for the opportunities and the lessons.
“It means a lot to me because I know not many kids get the chance to do something like this. I’m proud to represent the USA and compete with some of the best players in the world. I hope it shows other kids that age doesn’t have to stop you from chasing big dreams,” Grayson said.
Grayson says if kids want to get better at something they love, they shouldn’t give up when things get difficult or compare themselves to anyone else.
“When I make a mistake, I learn something, and those tricks that seem really hard have become some of my favorites…I am really young, and some of the professional players have been yo-yoing for longer than I have been alive. I think you need to focus on improving every day and have fun learning.”
Grayson’s parents are proud of how he uses his talent to encourage others.
“Whether he’s teaching tricks or performing, he genuinely wants to make people smile and believe in themselves. We’re incredibly proud of the competitor he’s becoming. But even more proud of the person he’s becoming,” they shared.
