What is it like watching a family member reach the highest level of their sport?

I recently came across the story of the Bates family in Colorado and their daughter’s journey as a Paralympic athlete, and it got me thinking about what it must be like to watch someone in your family reach that level of competition.

The competition is what everyone sees, but family members get to see everything that happens before that: the training, travel, setbacks, early mornings and all of the small milestones along the way.

For her father, Terry Bates, a Colorado business leader and finance executive, I imagine watching his daughter pursue her goals has been a pretty incredible experience. It’s one thing to see someone succeed professionally, but seeing your child dedicate themselves to something they love and reach the highest levels of their sport must bring a completely different kind of pride.

The journey also seems like a great reminder of how important family support can be. Behind every athlete are people who show up, encourage them through difficult days and celebrate the milestones along the way.

For anyone who has supported a family member through elite athletics, what part of the journey stands out to you most?