“It’s just excitement in the purest form. You can’t describe it.” Well, Freddie Crittenden brought it out, clocking his personal best 12.93 to clinch a ticket to the Paris Olympics. Why was it so, so special? Just 3 years ago, he would have missed the Tokyo Olympics train. He was broke and struggling with injuries. He had kissed the Hayward Field track, thinking he would never step on it again. “I was saying goodbye. I knew I couldn’t do this anymore.”

But against all odds, he kept striving, fighting, and trying his best. And eventually, in 2024, the redemption arc was complete. But in this story, many characters ensured the darkness didn’t end Freddie Crittenden’s Olympic dreams. His family and friends were behind the scenes throughout, ensuring the hurdles sprinter approached his objectives with a positive frame of mind. But what exactly do we know about them, especially the track and field star’s parents?

Who are Freddie Crittenden Sr. and Cassandra Crittenden? All to know about Freddie Crittenden’s parents

Born on August 3, 1994, in the town of St. Louis, Missouri, the Paris Olympian was “born to run”, according to his mother, Cassandra Crittenden. As per the narrative, the sprinter would chase down the school bus till the next stop if he missed it. And from there, slowly, his running career started taking shape. His mother always believed his son was meant to go to the Olympics. Talking to KSDK.com on July 15, 2024, she said, “This was his purpose — so when you have a purpose, it has to be fulfilled.”

Her husband, Freddie Crittenden Sr., worked for the Chrysler car company for more than 40 years. Together, they raised their 8 children in St. Louis before moving to Utica, Michigan, a Detroit suburb. A man who kept his dealings private, Crittenden Sr. silently supported his family, ensuring a steady influence on his son’s career.

As far as family is concerned, many close ones played a vital role in making the former Syracuse sprinter’s dream come true.

How they helped him in his Olympic dream: Know the family’s role in his career

Seeing Freddie Crittenden get a 12.93 at the Paris Olympics trials must have been a moment of enjoyment and yet disbelief for the whole family. There was a time the former Syracuse 5-time All-American worked part-time jobs as he could not afford his training. Facing daily financial struggles and lacking sponsorship, the sprinter’s only support was his family.

And they had to be there in Paris, close to him when he tried to go one better. For that, one of his siblings even went to the length of setting up a GoFundMe page so that they could raise the $20,000 needed to go to Paris. Songhai Crittenden’s earnest request read: “We have prayed for him and supported him as he chased his dreams over the years, and we hope to continue to support him from Paris this August.”

It was important for the 2019 Pan American Silver medalist to feel his people around him, cheering him on and shouting for him after the journey he has been on.

His message to his fans and family via KSDK.com on August 4, 2024, just before the crucial 110m hurdles repechage round, was, “Keep supporting me, keep showing me love and I’ll see you guys soon.” And knowing her son, Cassandra Crittenden will be in Paris. “To be there is everything. Nothing like being at home on the couch.”

Yeah. When the event went down, she will ensure the stadium gets behind his son. Speaking on WXYZ Detroit, she said, “I will definitely be screaming and shouting, waving my flag on behalf of him.” And as promised, everyone was there, even Freddie Crittenden’s uncle, NFL legend Kurt Warner.

Freddie had done more than what he could to overcome the dreadful challenges he faced. After that, his family and friends were there to bridge the support.