Grant Fisher’s coach, Mike Scannell, shares a bond with him away from the track as well. On any given day, the 27-year-old can be 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 last year, he shifted to training under his childhood coach, who has seen him 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.

Who is Grant Fisher’s father?

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, used to be a runner in his college years at Arizona State University. In fact, Dan and Mike Scannell enjoyed their college athletic years at Arizona University, being roommates and teammates.

That bond was forged further when the two friends followed each other in their professional lives as well, joining the same company. So, Scannell became the obvious choice for Grant Fisher’s coaching 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.

“He has a good gene pool,” Grant Fisher’s father, Dan, once said. He further added, “It’s amazing, and obviously we’re proud of him. It’s been an athletic success with his grandparents also, and his brother and sister are exceptional athletes.” Born and brought up in the US, Dan met his wife Sonia in 1986 during a spring break trip.

Who is Grant Fisher’s mother?

Grant Fisher’s mother is Sonia Fisher, who used to be a middle-distance runner at the University of Houston. Though Sonia was born in Canada, she later had to move to the United States, where she continued her education and athletic career. Her influence as a former competitive runner played a crucial role in shaping Grant’s early interest in sports.

As per “M Live,” Grant said, “My family has always been into athletics and my parents have always encouraged us to pursue athletics and academics, so I have to credit a lot of what I’ve done to them and it’s been great having a support system like the one I do at home.” Mark, Grant, and Hailey are the three children of Dan and Sonia. Mark pursued a career in professional soccer, playing for Toronto FC II in MLS Next Pro, while Grant developed into a top long-distance runner. No doubt why Grant is a reckoned force on track, as his parents were into track and field, but his grandfather was also into sports, and that too in track.

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 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 rectifying his errors. Fortunately, his transfer 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.

What is Grant Fisher’s parents’ nationality?

Grant Fisher’s parents, Dan and Sonia Fisher, are American. The two of them have been his only and biggest supporters, always cheering him up every step of the way. Being their unflinching supporter, Grant effortlessly became a standout in distance running! In February Grant broke a 21-year-old record in 5000m. He is only going forward and making his parents proud.