Trey Cunningham doesn’t just run hurdles; he “breaks” them. At 26, he is an inspiration to many who aspire to run on the track. Second-fastest 110m hurdles time in NCAA history by clocking 13.00 seconds, Silver at World Championship in 2022, and the Bowerman Award; his medals and podium finishes shout out that he is different. But behind those eye-popping stats, there is a rollercoaster ride that demands resilience. Let us not forget 2021, when Trey almost made it to Tokyo until his hamstring tore at trials. Then, at the 2024 World Indoors, he got sixth in the 60m hurdles. But his reaction was classic: “Life keeps throwing me hurdles…literally,” he joked. But here’s the point that the fans constantly ask: “How is it possible that this guy’s comeback game is stronger than his starting blocks?” We’d say a part of the credit should go to his family.

Who is Trey Cunningham’s father?

Meet Nate Cunningham, Trey’s dad and first-ever coach. Nate’s no stranger to competition. He played football for the Air Force Academy in 1988. But his real MVP move was to pass down that win-or-nothing mindset. “My dad taught me to outwork everyone, even when no one’s watching,” Trey shared. Though Nate stays out of the spotlight, he’s the guy hyping Trey up before races and dissecting the film afterward.

One thing to know about the Cunninghams is that they are a football dynasty. Trey’s granddad starred at Indiana University and even played in the 1968 Rose Bowl. But Trey broke tradition. “I’m the weirdo who chose hurdles over touchdowns,” he laughed.

Who is Trey Cunningham’s mother?

Trey’s mom, Carla Cunningham, is the quiet force behind his success. A former college basketball player at Alabama, she’s the one who taught him balance. “She’d say, ‘Run fast, but don’t forget to call your grandma,’” Trey recalled.

Carla’s also the family’s chief strategist. When Trey lost at his first high school hurdles race, she didn’t sugarcoat it and said, “You looked like a baby giraffe. Let’s fix that.” So, it won’t be wrong to say that it is her instruction behind her son’s meteoric rise.

Who are Trey Cunningham’s siblings?

Fans might be disappointed to know that Trey is the lone wolf of the family. He has no siblings that we know of. Growing up in Winfield, Alabama, he adopted his teammates as brothers. “My track squad? That’s my ride-or-die crew,” he told NBC. Plus, with aunts who balled out at Auburn and a granddad who’s a football legend, family reunions are basically mini-Olympics.

What is Trey Cunningham’s parents’ nationality?

Both Nate and Carla are American, born and raised. But dig deeper, and you’ll find Southern pride mixed with military discipline. Nate’s Air Force background instilled toughness, while Carla’s Alabama roots kept Trey grounded. “We’re Southern to the core—grit, faith, and sweet tea,” Trey once said.

So, with such strong family support, Trey is eyeing the 2025 Grand Slam Track series, where he’ll face off against global elites in Kingston and Miami. But the real prize is going to be the title at the Olympics in LA to be held in 2028. “I’ve got unfinished business with the Olympics,” he said. “And I’m not stopping till I’m on that podium.”

So keep your eyes peeled. Whether he’s crushing hurdles or cracking jokes about his “baby giraffe” days, Trey’s family—and fans—will be cheering louder than ever. What’s your opinion on the same? Comment and let us know.