Grant Fisher’s coach Mike Scannell shares a bond with him away from the tracks as well. On any given day, the 27-year-old can is a mainstay at the training facility in Park City, Utah. After failing to reach the podiums in both the 5000m and 10000m finals in the Tokyo Olympics, he has been facing extra pressure to prove himself. In the meantime, his rivalries with Abdihamid Nur and Nico Young have done their work as well. But above all, Grant Fisher has to maintain his family’s legacy. 

That’s why at the beginning of the Olympic season, he shifted to training under his childhood coach, who has seen him from rise from the ground up. Notably, his coach, Scannell, shares a special bond with Grant’s father from the early days. But is the story not becoming too complicated now? Let’s delve into it in detail. 

Meet the parents of Grant Fisher

Grant Fisher’s sporting beginning was different, far away from the track games. His interest was in soccer and he joined the Michigan Wolves in the age-based team. But the background of his family may have worked its magic on him in his seventh-grade year. Grant joined the middle school cross-country team. However, his father, Dan Fisher, and mother Sonia both used to be runners in their college years. In fact, Dan and Mike Scannell enjoyed their college athletic years at Arizona University, being roommates and teammates. That bond forged furthered when the two friends followed each other in their professional lives as well, joining the same company. So, Scannell became the obvious choice in Grant Fisher’s coach position from his early days. 

And that cooperation worked wonders on the former NCAA champion. Scannell took his time to sharpen Grant’s ability and certain inputs like the barefoot training schedule helped the runner a lot in his early days in the NCAA. Coach Scannell described the need for it as it helps to increase sensitivity. Those improvisations resulted in his stellar timing in the 5000m NCAA final. Subsequently, his timing qualified him to participate in the 5000m trials for the 2016 Rio Olympics. But Grant failed to cross the heat round of the same event. It was an emotional deal for him for another reason as well. Apart from sharing connections with track games, his family has a unique relationship with the 5000m event, which dates back to the 1950s.

Fisher’s grandfather was also a sprinter

As of now, Grant Fisher has set himself up at the top rung among the 5000m runners. He holds two national championship titles and one NCAA Championship top podium in the event. Furthermore, he also boasts of the American national record in the 5000m (12:46.96). But very few may know that his paternal grandfather, Allan, remained a standout in the same event in the early 1950s. Moreover, his recognition from the NCAA made him renowned among the rising American middle-distance runners in that timeline. Grant Fisher is now bearing that exact same legacy. 

His NCAA title in the 5000m event is an homage to becoming successful, courtesy of following in his grandfather’s footsteps. Now, from this point, he can only step forward. After the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he is on his way to rectify his errors. Fortunately, him transferring to his childhood coach has paid off this season. Whereas in the 5000m Olympics trials, he topped the leaderboard, the same luck followed him in the 10000m final as well. Now, his fans will ask for a podium finish from him. Well, wait for a few more weeks and Grant Fisher will take his stride in Paris.