“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my family,” says Kate Douglass. As she continues to break records and capture the world’s attention, the spotlight also turns to the family that has supported her every step of the way. Douglass has had a long journey, from barely making it onto the Tokyo swim team by 2 hundredths of a second to winning six medals in July at the World Championships.

But her real battle began long before when she started swimming as a child with scoliosis. She had to spend 16 months wearing a back brace for 16 hours a day. Throughout it all, the one constant in her life has been her parents. Ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, here’s a look at the parents of this swimming icon and the crucial role they’ve played in her success.

All about Kate Douglass’ most supportive parents

Kate Douglass was born to Allison and William Douglass who have been instrumental in supporting her swimming career. She was born in 2001 in Pelham, New York. She also has one brother, Will, and a sister, Abby. Her mother, Allison Douglass played an important role in encouraging her daughter’s achievements. 

Douglass was a part of the Westchester Swimming Club from seven years old to 15 years old, where swimmers received rubber ducks for personal bests or remarkable efforts in practice. Allison estimated that Kate had received over 50 rubber ducks. When she qualified in 2016 for the US Olympic Team Trials at the age of 13, “she probably started swimming competitively at about six years old, and she had a knack for it,” said her mother. 

Kate’s parents split time between accompanying their daughter and taking care of her other two siblings. They even sacrificed vacationing together since the schedules would often clash with Douglass’ routines. Kate and her mother recently visited Perham School, where Douglass graduated. Allison even said, “We appreciate all the support from Pelham and the school.“

William Douglass has actively supported Kate’s swimming journey, offering emotional support. He has instilled values like hard work and dedication in her. His encouragement and belief in Kate’s potential have motivated her to push her limits and achieve remarkable milestones in her swimming career. Despite being the only one who swims in the family, Kate Douglass has thrived with the parental support she received.

Kate Douglass is the only one who swims in the family

Kate Douglass stands out as the sole swimmer in her family, with her passion for the sport driving her to extraordinary heights. Even though Douglass’ whole family is a fan of soccer, she is the only one who pursued swimming. Douglass said, “My family isn’t a swim family. Both my siblings play soccer. My parents love to watch soccer. They didn’t swim. I’m the only one!”

Douglass continued to express, “My parents do a great job with keeping their distance and letting me do my thing. They just want me to be happy. They don’t really care how I swim at all, to be honest!” Though the family enjoys other water-based activities like boating, canoeing, and fishing, Kate is the only one who swims. 

Other than swimming, Douglass is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a major in statistics and a minor in data sciences. The family also hangs out together and shares a love for country music, concerts, and baking, especially chocolate chip cookies. As she advances into the Paris Olympics, Douglass is hoping to compete in the three strokes, or possibly four.