Talking about Shamier Little back in 2015, her former high school coach, Latasha McCray, would say, “She has what it takes to make it with the best.” Now to say her prediction has come true would be putting it mildly. Shamier Little has been a popular name in the 400m hurdles, be it nationally or globally. The numbers just speak for themselves – three NCAA titles, three National Championship wins, two World Championship medals, and many more accolades.

She even clinched gold and silver in the 4×400 relay and mixed relay events of the Paris Olympics, respectively. Today, it’s safe to say that she is a celebrated track and field star of this generation. And as with any athlete’s success story, the unflinching support of Shamier Little’s parents has been crucial. That has helped the sprinter to go out there and fearlessly do her thing. But what do we know about her parents? Well, their impact has been more profound than we can imagine, especially in the case of her father.

Who is Shamier Little’s Father?

The Paris Olympics star believes she is quite alike her father, Sean Little – stubborn, yet sharing moments of vulnerability with one another. Their relationship was not always on good terms, but she knows that he loved her the best way he could. Born on November 20, 1970, Sean’s parents were John Little and Paula Little. Shamier’s father went to Eastern Kentucky, where he graduated in 1994.

His college days saw him play football as a cornerback for the Eastern Kentucky University’s football team. In addition, he was also a passionate supporter of the University of Louisville and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though he got divorced, he stayed in touch and ensured their daughter didn’t feel neglected. In fact, family was his cornerstone, and he would be by their side when they needed him.

So, it was heartbreaking and a day of sorrow when Sean Little passed away on November 20, 2024. However, his family was by his side in his final moments. As for his Olympian daughter, she has always had a connection with her father. She recalled in one of her Instagram posts how her father said she was very strong and fierce from the moment she was born.

Clearly, she was born with athletic genes. And that’s not just down to her father. Her mother has also significantly contributed to her athletic journey.

Who is the Paris Olympian’s Mother?

Shamier’s mother is Tiffany Mayfield, who has been a district administrator for the Chicago Park District for more than 30 years. Currently, she serves as a Special Projects Coordinator in the Wellness Department, a role she has held since 2013. But didn’t we say the 400mH specialist and her mother have an athletic connection? Like Sean, she also attended Eastern Kentucky University and played basketball during her college days.

And it goes deeper. Tiffany Mayfield was an accomplished high jump athlete, clearing 5’8” during her college years. Being college athletes themselves, Sean and Tiffany have seen their 4 children also have successful sporting experiences. But none like Shamier Little, who showed the glimpses of her sprinting future right from her childhood. And her mother took up the responsibility of sustaining Shamier Little’s track and field talent.

Tiffany, who holds a bachelor’s degree in applied sciences and has a background in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, used her career as an administrator to ensure that her daughter had all the resources needed to develop her talent. But her mother’s support also came in the form of ensuring that the sprinter was eating nourishing food. As the 19-year-old hurdler would share with Milesplit in July 2014: “My mom sent me car packages during finals week. I haven’t had a home cooked meal in ages.”

Seeing her daughter in the Olympics and then also bringing home a Gold and a silver was such a surreal moment for Tiffany Mayfield. “It feels great, it feels great,” the proud mother said to ABC7Chicago in October 2024. “It’s like a mom’s dream when you see those Olympic commercials and you get goosebumps watching and you’re screaming – that was me.”

A mother-daughter duo who are absolute success stories in their respective fields. And there are more stories to be told by them.

What is Shamier Little’s parents’ Nationality?

Shamier Little’s parents, Sean Little and Tiffany Mayfield, are American citizens. Tiffany has been dedicated to developing the Chicago Park District with values that foster a thriving, inclusive, and compassionate community—one that not only benefits residents but also serves as an inspiration for her children, Shamier, Timothy, Shakira, and Samiyre.

As for Shamier Little, she is doing her thing to leave a lasting legacy on the community. Against that backdrop, a dashing performance at the Grand Slam Track would be perfect.