Family is everything. 2x Olympian Clayton Murphy appears an ardent believer in this philosophy! Especially, being a father to a one-year-old son, who seems the center of his universe. But back in the days when the American middle-distance runner himself was a child, his parents had played an equally important role in his life. In fact, a part of the reason he carved out a legacy for himself in athletics is because of their unflinching support.

However, not many know about these two constants in Murphy’s life, who nurtured and motivated him in his choices. The result? Well, the 29-year-old went on to bag an Olympic medal and multiple accolades in his professional career. Thus, let’s know more about the solid heroes behind Murphy’s reality.

Learn about Clayton Murphy’s encouraging parents

The two pillars of his life, Clayton Murphy’s parents are Mark and Melinda Murphy. The couple welcomed their son in February 1995. Subsequently, Murphy grew up in New Paris and took to track and field at a very young age. Naturally, his parents showed absolute support for Murphy’s passion, who thereby could proceed further in this direction.

Making use of the facilities provided to him in his native and with his parent’s encouragement, Murphy competed in local competitions. He even accessed the training facilities, which proved vital in terms of fostering his initial development as an athlete. Subsequently, at the Tri Villages High School in New Madison, he progressed to be a 1:54 800-meter runner. But, none of this would have been possible without the critical support of his parents.

Apparently, Clayton Murphy’s father Mark was an agronomist by trade and was hoping that someday his son would lead the basketball team to the Ohio state championship. “He was really outstanding at both,” Mark once believed that Clayton’s soccer and basketball skills were phenomenal. Therefore, Mark was even ‘mad’ at him for giving up these sports and focusing on running.

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However, Melinda and Mark seemed to have lent their unreserved support after Clayton voiced his decision. They even praised his skills and exhibited pride about the fact that he was their son.

How the track star’s parents prepared him for an athletic career

Murphy’s parents raised show animals on their family’s farm. Thus, there was one point when his father said, “Clayton loved to show the pigs. And I can tell you, he is just as good a pig salesman as he is a runner.” Deep down, Mark Murphy always showed faith in Clayton’s athletic ability and dedication. He also said, “Clayton’s such a hard worker. Once he committed himself to running, he would never miss a day.” Speaking of his mother, they had been so supportive of him, that the former University of Akron runner’s mother confessed, “I cry every time he wins a big one,” via Dayton Daily News.

However, the key aspect is that Clayton’s parents always backed his will. Even when he dropped out of other sports to single-mindedly concentrate on running, they supported his call. The outcome of this has been his illustrious career. He went on to bag an 800m bronze at Rio de Janeiro and gold at the 2015 Pan American Games. Even recently, at the US Olympic Trials, Clayton won his heat clocking a 1:47:05, followed by coming second in the seminars. However, he missed a top-three finish in the finals, which quashed his third Olympic appearance chances. Nonetheless, Murphy has a lot to be grateful for, especially his family.

What do you think of his encouraging parents? Let us know below.