Who Are Erriyon Knighton’s Parents and Siblings? Everything About the Track Star’s Family

Erriyon Knighton will definitely be looking to make an impact with a flourish for the Olympic gold in Paris. After winning the 2022 World Athletics at 18 years of age, Knighton is now the youngest individual medalist in sprint history. And to make sure his triumph was not a fluke, Knighton followed it up by notching up a 200m victory at the 2023 US Championship. Specializing in the 200m discipline, Knighton has so far represented the USA twice. Back in 2022, Knighton won a bronze at the Worlds while, in 2023, he did one better by finishing with a silver.

Thus, the hunger within Knighton to clinch the gold in the USA colors is palpable. And for that, he will have to grind real hard. However, even before all that, it was his family’s support without which Erriyon Knighton wouldn’t have been the boy wonder he is today. Here’s everything about Erriyon Knighton’s parents and siblings. 

Meet Eddie Murphy: Erriyon Knighton’s Father

Eddie Murphy is the guy who helped shape a track phenom. A former basketball player, Murphy used his own sports savvy to fuel his son Erriyon’s rise. Growing up in Tampa, Florida, Erriyon soaked up his dad’s athletic DNA, but it was Eddie’s guidance that flipped the script. When the pandemic threw a curveball at Erriyon’s football dreams, Eddie pushed him toward track. Smart move, Dad. Now the kid’s out here breaking Usain Bolt’s junior records.

Meet Tamara Hood: Erriyon Knighton’s Mother

Behind every superstar is a mom holding it all together. Tamara Hood, Erriyon’s mother, is the unsung MVP of this story. As the family’s anchor, she turned their Tampa home into a launchpad for greatness, juggling the chaos of raising three kids while keeping Erriyon’s track dreams on track.

Who Are Erriyon Knighton’s Siblings?

Besides having supportive parents, Erriyon Knighton was blessed enough to have supportive siblings as well. His brother Quay Knighton and sister Nasja Knighton decided to keep a low profile as they grew up. However, growing up, the siblings were closely knit, supporting each other through thick and thin. This is evident from the portrayal of his supportive family by Knighton himself. In several interviews, he has mentioned how his family was by his side and encouraged him to take up sports. They also let him try several sporting disciplines before choosing the one for him. And it was for this exact reason that Erriyon Knighton initially was a standout football player. 

What is Erriyon Knighton’s Parents’ Nationality?

Erriyon Knighton’s roots are pure Tampa Bay, Florida, and so are his parents’. Both Eddie Murphy and Tamara Hood are proudly American, born and raised.

The Olympian’s family stood by him in solidarity when he switched from football to track

Erriyon Knighton’s initial dream was to fox the cornerbacks coming for him. Yes, the world record-holder track and field star was once a football fanatic. Playing as a wide receiver for Tampa Hillsborough High School, he looked set to pursue his career in the NFL. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world heavy, the majority of team sports took a backseat. This was when he decided to step into the fast-paced world of track and field.

But starting his journey while in the ninth grade was not easy. And once again, his family stepped in. They supported him wholeheartedly in his decision and encouraged him to switch professions. Well, that did turn out great as he realized, “that I was kind of separated from the pack and faster than most people.” Thus, riding high on the back of a supportive family, Erriyon Knighton will surely have his chances doubled as he looks to enter Paris and dominate the gold rush.