The road to the Olympics is one of immense dedication, perseverance, and often, sacrifice. For many athletes, family plays an instrumental role in their journey to the top, providing not only financial support but also the emotional backbone needed to excel in the face of challenges. The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature numerous athletes whose families have made incredible sacrifices—sometimes coming from non-Olympic backgrounds and overcoming significant odds—to help them achieve their dreams. This piece highlights ten such athletes whose families are their greatest supporters.
Noah and Josephus Lyles (USA, Track and Field)
Noah and Josephus Lyles are brothers competing in track and field events for the United States. Their parents, both former athletes, made the conscious decision to support their sons’ athletic careers from a young age. Their mother, Keisha Caine, is a former track athlete herself, and their father, Kevin Lyles, was a 4×400-meter relay world champion. Despite their athletic backgrounds, the Lyles family faced significant financial challenges, often sacrificing personal luxuries to fund training and travel for competitions. Their story is one of resilience, with family unity at its core.
Simone Biles (USA, Gymnastics)
Simone Biles’ journey to Olympic greatness is deeply intertwined with the support of her adoptive parents, Ron and Nellie Biles. Simone was adopted by her grandparents after her biological mother struggled with substance abuse. Ron and Nellie provided her with a stable and loving environment, recognizing her talent early on and making the decision to support her gymnastics career despite the high costs. Their dedication to Simone’s well-being—both in and out of the gym—has been a crucial factor in her becoming one of the greatest gymnasts in history.
Gabriela and Dane Blummenfelt (Norway, Triathlon)
Gabriela and Dane Blummenfelt are siblings competing in triathlon for Norway. Coming from a non-Olympic background, their parents made significant sacrifices to support their children’s athletic endeavors. They often traveled long distances to attend competitions and invested in specialized training programs. The Blummenfelt siblings credit their parents for their unwavering support, which allowed them to focus on their training without worrying about the financial or logistical challenges that come with pursuing an elite sport.
Katie Ledecky (USA, Swimming)
Katie Ledecky’s rise to fame in swimming can be largely attributed to the unrelenting support of her family. Despite coming from a family with no Olympic background, her parents recognized Katie’s talent early and made significant sacrifices to ensure she had access to the best coaching and training facilities. They balanced the demands of their professional careers with the needs of their daughter, creating a supportive environment that allowed Katie to flourish and become one of the most decorated female swimmers in history.
Neeraj Chopra (India, Javelin Throw)
Neeraj Chopra, India’s star javelin thrower, comes from a rural farming family with no previous exposure to the world of athletics, let alone the Olympics. Despite this, his family made tremendous sacrifices to support his passion for javelin. They faced financial hardships, often having to borrow money to fund Neeraj’s training and competition expenses. His family’s unwavering belief in his potential has been a driving force behind his success, culminating in his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Sky Brown (Great Britain, Skateboarding)
Sky Brown, a young skateboarding sensation representing Great Britain, has been supported by her family in every step of her journey. Her parents, who come from non-Olympic backgrounds, recognized her extraordinary talent at a young age and made the bold decision to homeschool her, allowing her to focus on skateboarding. They have invested heavily in her career, balancing the demands of raising an elite athlete with ensuring that Sky enjoys a well-rounded childhood. Their support was pivotal in Sky becoming one of the youngest athletes to ever compete in the Olympics.
Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya, Marathon)
Eliud Kipchoge, one of the greatest marathon runners of all time, hails from a humble background in rural Kenya. His family, who had no history in athletics, made significant sacrifices to support his running career. Kipchoge’s mother, who raised him as a single parent, emphasized the importance of education while supporting his passion for running. Despite financial constraints, his family’s support laid the foundation for his success, allowing him to focus on his training and become a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Aly Raisman (USA, Gymnastics)
Aly Raisman’s journey to Olympic glory was supported by her close-knit family, who have no background in elite athletics. Her parents, despite facing financial challenges, invested heavily in her gymnastics career from a young age. They traveled across the country to attend her competitions and were a constant source of encouragement. Their dedication and belief in Aly’s abilities played a crucial role in her becoming a two-time Olympic team captain and one of the most decorated American gymnasts.
Tom Daley (Great Britain, Diving)
Tom Daley’s path to becoming an Olympic champion in diving was supported by his family, particularly his father, Rob Daley. Despite having no background in diving, Rob was instrumental in nurturing Tom’s talent, often driving him to training sessions and competitions. The Daley family faced significant emotional and financial challenges, especially after Rob was diagnosed with cancer. His father’s unwavering support, even during his illness, was a driving force behind Tom’s success, making his Olympic victories all the more meaningful.
Sifan Hassan (Netherlands, Track and Field)
Sifan Hassan, a long-distance runner representing the Netherlands, has a story rooted in sacrifice and resilience. Originally from Ethiopia, Hassan fled to the Netherlands as a refugee. With no familial background in athletics, she had to overcome significant cultural and financial challenges. Her adoptive family in the Netherlands recognized her talent and provided the support she needed to pursue her running career. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Hassan’s determination and her family’s support have led her to become one of the top female distance runners in the world.