For 12.06 seconds, the fans inside Stade de France in Paris were transported back in time. Ezra Frech sought further success in the Men’s 100m – T63 after finishing in the top five at the Men’s Long Jump – T63. However, neither track & field fans nor Frech’s parents could’ve guessed the event would mirror Noah Lyles‘ historic 100-meter win on August 4.

The Paralympians exploded off the line at the sound of the starting gun, but Frech wasn’t in front. Instead, he was toward the back of the pack after a relatively slower start. Yet, the 19-year-old reeled in the rest of the field during the final stretch, just as Noah Lyles had done about a month ago. The epic win and his family’s reaction earned him praise from Lyles himself; and Gabby Thomas.

However, Ezra Frech finding new gear in the final 50 meters of the race wasn’t the only thing common between the two races. The athlete leaned forward as he crossed the line, and for a few agonizing moments, he and everyone in attendance held their breath. Team USA’s track and field star wasn’t sure he’d done enough to beat Denmark’s Daniel Wagner Jørgensen.

So when the photo finish revealed that the American had bested the Dane, Jørgensen by just o.o2 seconds, the stadium erupted. Frech had achieved his dream most dramatically. The Paris 2024 gold medalist posted the footage of himself and his family celebrating the monumental moment. “My support system,” wrote the sprinter as father Clayton Frech, mother Bahar Soomekh, and brothers Gabriel and Elijah Frech embraced one another in a giant group hug.

The Paralympian’s family seemed to be in a state of disbelief, and the 19-year-old shared the emotion. “I’m quite shocked. I’m still taking it in right now,” said the track and field gold medalist. Paris Olympics double medalist Noah Lyles, who ran to his mother after breaking Team USA’s 16-year medal drought, commented on the wholesome video. “Congratulations,” wrote Lyles.

Lyles has always appreciated how his mother helped him overcome asthma, dyslexia, and more to attain success on the track. Similarly, Gabby Thomas has credited her mother for helping her embark on the journey that led to three Olympic golds in Paris. “Great job Ezra!!” the four-time Olympic medalist wrote on Instagram. The fans also couldn’t help but feel emotional.

The track & field community celebrated with Ezra Frech’s family

Every member of the Frech family seemed to be on the verge of bursting into tears of joy as they embraced one another. While they might have held back those tears, many fans who witnessed Frech win gold couldn’t. “I wasn’t crying something just flew into my eyes,” commented one Instagram user after watching the clip.

“Watching your family was the second best thing I saw on TV today. I’m not crying, you’re crying.” a track and field enthusiast wrote. While the wholesome clip moved the netizen, he couldn’t get over the exhilarating race and the dramatic gold medal win for Ezra Frech. That’s why the clip the athlete posted ranked second.

“The best support team for the best, best guy! Congrats to you buddy!!!!!” wrote an Instagram user. Ezra Frech was born with congenital limb differences, but his family was determined to give their son a better life. “His family vowed to do everything to give him the same opportunities as able-bodied children and to support disabled causes,” describes the official Team Ezra website.

The track and field star’s father has worked with the Challenged Athletes Foundation for decades. Clayton Frech has not only helped his son but other athletes with disabilities. Frech also worked with the Prosthetic Outreach Foundation and co-founded Angle City Sports with his son. Angle City Sports arranges camps, clinics, and competitions in Frech’s native Southern California.

So it’s not surprising to see the family’s emotional response to their son’s monumental achievement. Ezra Frech’s 100-meter Paralympic gold symbolized two decades of what can only be described as a team effort. However, the defending high jump world champion may yet find more success in Paris. After all, he didn’t plan on winning the Men’s 100m – T63 and had his focus elsewhere.

“I was definitely not expecting to go out there and win. I knew I could, but I have high jump tomorrow and that’s where my focus has been,” the 19-year-old told the press in Paris. The high jump final is scheduled today at 8:30 pm (20:20) Paris time. So only time will tell if the track and field athlete earns another gold in Paris. Yet, what did you think of the clip? Tell us in the comments.