Team USA Athletes Celebrate Father's Day

In an athlete’s Olympic or Paralympic journey, fathers sometimes get overlooked. But many athletes would not be where they are without their dads. From playing catch to taking off their training wheels to coaching their rec league teams, dads are often there every step of the way.

Here's a look at what Olympians, Olympic hopefuls, and Paralympians have learned from their dads:

When 2022 Olympian Andrew Heo, 24, first started short track speed skating, his dad, Deuk Jin Heo, sometimes left his job as an auto mechanic early to get his son to practice — three hours away, then three hours home. It taught Andrew the value of hard work and sacrifice.

"From the very beginning, my dad was the quiet strength behind every early morning, every late-night practice, and every moment when quitting felt easier than pushing through. He showed me what hard work truly means, not just through his words, which I thought was him just lecturing me, but through how he lived his life. Whether it was working extra hours to support our family or standing in the cold during my training sessions, his actions taught me that anything is possible with hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. He led by example by always being kind, always genuine, and so giving — often putting his own time, comfort, and likely his own ambitions aside to support my dreams.

I’ll never forget the countless times he drove me and my brother from Philly to Maryland and back on the same day, just so we could get more time on the ice. A lot of times, I would fall asleep in the backseat on the long drive home, and he’d carry me from the car up to my bed — no complaints, just love and care. That kind of dedication went far beyond support — it was a powerful kind of love that molded me into who I am today.

I was too young to understand it then, and I may never fully understand it, but I’ve come to truly appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice my dad made to help me achieve my dream, to become an Olympian. As proud as I am to be able to call myself an Olympian and represent the United States, I’m even prouder to be able to call someone like my dad — strong, selfless, and my hero — my dad."

Aidan Mueller also learned the value of hard work from his father. Prior to luge, Aidan played baseball and his dad, Ryan Mueller, was his coach. Since then, Aidan has become a junior world cup medalist in luge and made his senior world cup debut this year. He is a 2026 Olympic hopeful.

“My dad has always taught me the value of hard work and pushing through obstacles, no matter how tough things get. His example of dedication and perseverance has stuck with me and become a core part of who I am. Those lessons have carried me through some of the most challenging moments in my training and helped me get to where I am today in my sport. Without him I don’t think I would have the mindset that would get me to my first Olympic qualifying season. I wouldn’t be here without the mindset he helped instill in me, and I’m beyond grateful for everything he’s taught me.”

When moguls skier Nick Page first made a world cup podium on home snow this past January in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, he received his silver medal — and a hug — from his dad. A product of the freestyle program in Park City, Utah, Nick competed at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 where, at age 19, he finished fifth. A month later, Nick was the dual moguls junior world champion. His dad, Mike Page, is on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard board of directors.

"I’m not the same person or athlete without my dad. He’s the best role model, and I’m lucky to learn from him every day. From showing me how to work hard and put others first, to pushing me to reach my full potential — he’s made me who I am today. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!"

Para snowboarder Zach Miller also had a chance to compete on home snow this past winter, and it was the first time his parents, T.R. and Mike Miller, saw him compete. At the Steamboat Para Snowboard World Cup — just three hours from his hometown of Littleton, Colorado — Zach won a bronze medal in snowboard cross. Born with cerebral palsy, Zach is a two-time para snowboard world champion, 2022 Paralympian, and 2023 ESPY award winner. Throughout his 26 years, Zach has looked to his dad as a role model.

"From changing a tire and shaving my face, to working hard and supporting those around me, my dad has shown me what it means to be a good man. If I can be half as loving, supportive, strong, and tough as he is, I’ll turn out to be a great one."

Olympic hopeful Matt Greiner also looks to his dad, Jeff Greiner, as a role model and “how to exist in the world around me.” Matt, 21, is a junior world championship silver medalist who recently made his senior world cup debut in luge.

“What I learned from my dad: there is no one more impactful in my life than my Dad. Apart from being my father, my dad is also my best friend. The number of things he has taught and shown me are countless, and the number increases daily. But the biggest were: How to be a man, how to exist in the world around me, and most importantly, how to listen to the music play.”

Biathlete Jake Brown, 33, looks up to his dad and is inspired by him. It was 11 years ago that Bill Brown, Jake’s dad, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A year later, Jake discovered biathlon at a U.S. Biathlon talent ID camp. Since then, he has competed in five world championships and at Beijing 2022.

“My dad has done a ton of incredible, inspiring things, including continuing to ski World Loppet marathon races and raise money in the fight against Parkinson’s while navigating the condition himself since 2014. Together with my mom, they taught me and my brothers to cross-country ski after learning the sport themselves as adults. I’m most inspired by my dad, however, in the kind of father, husband, and leader he was and is. He has always prioritized his time with family and modeled humility, calm strength, patience, generosity, and a cunning wit. I still hope to be like him when I grow up!”

To become world-class at any endeavor, athletes sometimes think it requires a special sauce, a complicated set of conditions that will help make them exceptional. For luge three-time world championship medalist and two-time Olympian Emily Fischnaller (nee Sweeney), it was her dad, Larry Sweeney, who reminded her to KISS.

“My dad has taught me so much, but something that has stuck is KISS: keep it simple, stupid.”

Larry was a stay-at-home dad who ensured that sports were a big part of his daughters’ lives (Emily’s older sister Megan is a 2010 Olympian in luge). Recently married to Italian luger Dominik Fischnaller, the 2022 Olympic bronze medalist), Emily, 32, is aiming for her third Olympic Games in Milan Cortina.

Keely Cashman also learned the KISS strategy from her dad, John Cashman. Early in John’s alpine ski coaching career, he learned, “you gotta KISS it,” from a colleague — “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” He had his kids on skis early at California’s Palisades Tahoe resort and provided not just technical tips, but support. As she came up through the national development team, Keely had her dad as her coach. Now 26, Keely is a 2022 Olympian and scored her first world cup top 10 this past winter.

“My dad has coached me and my brothers since the day he put us on skis. He taught us hard work and discipline, and always made sure we were enjoying what we were doing. I owe much of my success to him and continue to look to him for the support I need. He exemplifies what it means to be a great coach and more importantly a great father.”

Bella Wright learned by watching her dad, Robert Lee Wright, a natural athlete. In high school, he had played basketball and had “hundreds of scholarships out of high school,” said Bella in a FIS athlete spotlight. Instead of pursuing basketball, he switched to racing motorcycles, then became a pro golfer.

“He was just somebody who was really good at everything he did,” Bella told FIS. “He didn’t want us on motorcycles, but I don’t know if downhill skiing is much safer,” she added with a laugh.

As a downhill skier aiming for her second Olympic Winter Games, 28-year-old Bella learned a key downhiller trait from her dad: be brave. And work hard.

“I’ve learned a lot from my dad — not just because he’s been a pro in multiple sports, but because of how he carries himself no matter what he’s chasing. He gave me the racer instinct — the drive to push hard, stay focused, and never back off. He’s the kind of guy who always finds a way, no matter what road he's on, and he taught me to be brave even when things get tough. More than anything, he’s shown me that the real gift isn’t in crossing the finish line first — it’s in having something you care enough to work for. Because of him, I’ve come to realize that so many of the things I once dreamed about — I’m already living. Love you, Dad” 

When women’s doubles luge debuted on the FIL World Cup tour in 2021, Sophia Kirkby made an immediate impact, winning three world cup medals and a bronze at the inaugural world championship. Since then, the 23-year-old has won three more world championship medals with partner Chevonne Forgan, including a world cup gold medal this past season. Ranked third overall last season, Sophia and Chevonne are strong candidates to make their Olympic debut in Milan Cortina in 2026.

Sophia inherited her love of sliding sports from her dad, James Kirkby, who competed in the U.S. Air Force bobsled’s team back in the day. At the first FIL World Cup last season, he gave her a message — on her glove (“Everything is going really really good! – Dad”).

James Kirkby passed away in June 2024. But Sophia carries him with her — a reminder to enjoy the journey.

“My dad taught me I will only achieve if I compete, and even then I might not win, but most importantly I should be having fun.” 

Kristen Santos-Griswold also learned a love of sport, and the Olympic Games, from her dad, Rick Santos. From the moment Kristen switched from figure skating to short track speed skating (after seeing a TV commercial for the sport, featuring a Dutch short track speed skater) at age nine, Rick dreamed of Kristen making an Olympic team. She did — in 2022, finishing fourth in the 1000 and advancing to the B Final in the 1500, ending up ninth.

Since the Beijing Games, Santos-Griswold, 30, has become world champion in the 1000 and added five other world championship medals to her collection. She will be a medal favorite at the Olympic Winter Games 2026 Milan Cortina. Over the past 21 years, she too has learned from her dad to enjoy the process, no matter the challenges.

"The main things I’ve learned from my dad are to not take life too seriously and to enjoy the ride. He’s always laughing, joking, and finding light in any situation, something that can be especially difficult in my sport. He’s also taught me to be proud of everything I’ve accomplished and to recognize the effort I’ve put in along the way."