Have you ever wondered if Olympic greatness runs in the family? Well, for some athletes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Let’s dive into the stories of three impressive parent-child duos who’ve both competed on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The Kiefer Family
Patriarch Dr. Steven Kiefer competed in the 1984 Olympics, making a strong impression in the fencing world. His daughter, Lee Kiefer, took the family legacy to new heights by not only competing in three Olympic Games (2012, 2016, and 2020) but also winning a gold medal in the women’s foil at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This achievement made her the first American woman to earn gold in individual foil fencing.
The Royal Equestrians
British royalty also boasts Olympic equestrians. Princess Anne competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, and although she didn’t win a medal, her equestrian legacy continued through her family. Her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, secured a gold in 1972 and a silver in 1988. Their daughter, Zara Tindall, carried on the tradition by winning silver in the 2012 London Olympics.
The Thompson Family
Willie Thompson represented the United States in the long jump at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Decades later, his daughter, Jenny Thompson, would become one of the most decorated Olympians in swimming. Jenny didn’t just participate; she dominated, earning a total of 12 medals, including eight golds, across four Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004).
