Raising the Bar

Sixteen-year-old Kelly Johnson quits an elite gymnastics program and moves to Australia to start fresh. A chance encounter with a new friend pulls her back into the world of competition, even as she tries to outrun a rival's shadow. She reenters gymnastics not for glory, but to support someone she cares about and to prove she can move forward without erasing her past. The path is tough and emotional, with strict coaches, demanding routines, and old memories that tug at her resolve. As she trains again, Kelly weighs what true progress looks like and whether forgiveness can coexist with ambition, setting up a quiet test of character rather than a simple comeback.

Created for television in 2017 by Clay Glen, Raising the Bar is a family drama built around gymnastics. It was produced on a modest budget of 600,000, and highlights the pressures of sport alongside the bonds of friendship. The project centers on a teen athlete who must decide how to balance personal growth with competitive drive.

Reception notes a wholesome take on second chances, with a steady performance from Kelli Berglund as Kelly and a cameo by Jordyn Wieber that lends authenticity to the sport world. The film emphasizes forgiveness, growth, and the hard choices that come with chasing a dream, offering a hopeful message for young viewers and families.