Katie Moon, formerly known as Katie Nageotte, is an American pole vaulter and Olympic champion. The 34-year-old achieved medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and is already concentrating on the world championships that are going to take place in Tokyo. The three-time global pole vault champ has been able to achieve amazing victories throughout her career, not only through her tenacity but also through immense support from her loved ones.

Pole vaulting is not easy; injuries are a part and parcel of the sport that she has chosen. Thankfully, for Katie, her source of motivation started with her family. Let’s take a deep dive into her family life and learn more about her parents, who have supported her throughout her career and life.

Who is Katie Moon’s father? 

Mark Nageotte is Katie’s father and has always stood beside her like a strong pillar of support. She once spoke about her father’s love and contribution to her life while talking to KSL Sports. She said, “He was the perfect girl dad because he was supportive in every sense. He found my club, which I grew up going to for pole vault. He would take me to everything and sit there and listen to what the coaches were telling me, and he would just regurgitate the information back. It was really fun because it was our thing without it feeling like it was his thing. It was like it became our thing together.” 

He was a devoted supporter of Katie’s athletics from a young age; he discovered the local pole vault club, took her to training sessions. Unfortunately, she lost her father too soon when she was just 16 years old. He tragically passed away on September 14, 2007, from a heart attack at the age of 45. Katie still commemorates him by tapping her track spikes—where she writes “Dad”—before big leaps.

Who is Katie Moon’s mother? 

After Mark’s demise, Diane was her pillar and raised Katie and her two younger siblings—Emily and Andy—primarily as a single parent.

Diane prefers to remain out of the spotlight, so her details, such as her occupation, are kept private. However, Katie has spoken a lot about her mother, both on social media and in interviews. She always refers to her mother as a ‘rockstar,’ giving her credit for teaching her the value of determination and tenacity. 

She has also posted about her mother on more than one occasion and wished her on Mother’s Day as well. She wrote, “I am Mary Jane’s granddaughter. The spitting image of my father. And when the day is done, my momma’s still my biggest fan. Sometimes I’m clueless and I’m clumsy, but I got friends that love me… it’s all a part of me, that’s who I am.” Katie continued,  “These people are the reason I have any medals, and they are what make winning them so worth it. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, it takes a village, and mine is elite.”

What is Katie Moon’s parents’ nationality? 

Katie Moon was born on June 13, 1991, in Lakewood, Ohio, United States. Her parents, Mark Nageotte and Diane Nageotte, are both American.

As she gears up for her future in pole vaulting, it is clear that her family stands strong behind her, supporting her throughout all the decisions she makes.