Charles Jenkins, a gold medalist in 1956, witnessed his son Chip replicate the feat in 1992.
The Olympics are a pinnacle of athletic achievement, a stage where the world’s best compete for the ultimate prize: a gold medal. But for some families, the glory is shared, with siblings reaching the podium together. Here, we explore some of the most remarkable duos who have claimed Olympic medals as a team.
History remembers Lottie and William Dod as the first brother-sister duo to win Olympic medals. In 1908, Lottie, primarily a tennis champion with five Wimbledon titles, took up archery and secured gold. William followed suit, claiming silver in the men’s archery competition. This groundbreaking achievement paved the way for future sibling success stories at the Olympics.
Twin brothers have a unique connection that can translate to sporting success. Phillip and Steve Mahre, American alpine skiers, showcased this in the 1980s. Phillip secured a gold medal, while Steve brought home two silvers. Similarly, ice hockey stars Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Swedish twins who played their entire careers together, brought home gold medals for Sweden in 2006.
Twin brothers Phillip and Steve Mahre pose for a photo// Picture Courtesy — 1st Ohio Battery
Sibling rivalry can push athletes to excel. Take Reggie and Cheryl Miller, American basketball powerhouses. Reggie credits his childhood battles with Cheryl as the reason behind his signature “rainbow jump shot.” Both siblings secured gold medals, Reggie in 1984 and 1996, and Cheryl in 1996. In rowing, Jonny and Greg Searle, British brothers, displayed a different kind of sibling story. Jonny and Greg brought home a combined total of four gold medals and two bronze medals across the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Notably, Greg made a remarkable comeback, qualifying for the 2012 Games on the exact anniversary of his first Olympic gold in 1992.
It’s not uncommon for children to follow in their parents’ athletic footsteps. However, in track and field, such cases are rare. Charles Jenkins and his son, Chip, defied the odds. Charles, a gold medalist in 1956, witnessed his son Chip replicate the feat in 1992. Similarly, the Christian family boasts an impressive lineage in ice hockey. Bill, Roger, and Gordon Christian were all gold medalists, with Dave Christian, Bill’s son, adding a silver medal to the family collection in 1980.
Charles Jenkins and his son, Chip both won gold medals at the Olympics// Picture Courtesy — Washington Post
Some families transcend sibling success and become Olympic dynasties. The Slovakian Hochschorner brothers, Pavol and Peter, dominated canoe slalom, securing a staggering six gold medals between 2000 and 2008. Similarly, American siblings Eric and Beth Heiden left their mark on speed skating. Eric’s legendary performance at the 1980 Lake Placid Games stands out. He swept the speed skating events, winning a remarkable five individual gold medals and setting multiple records.
Fencing has witnessed some remarkable family legacies. The Nadi brothers, Aldo and Nedo, from Italy, are considered the greatest swordsmen siblings ever. Between them, they secured nine gold medals and just one silver medal at the 1912 and 1920 Olympics. The Gerevich family of Hungary boasts an even more extensive collection. Aladár Gerevich, considered the greatest Olympic swordsman of all time, along with his wife Erna Bogen and brother-in-law Albert Bogen, accumulated a combined total of seven gold medals, two silver medals, and five bronze medals across several Olympic Games.
These are just a few examples of the incredible stories of siblings who have achieved Olympic glory together. Their journeys highlight the unique bond that can exist between siblings, pushing each other to achieve their athletic dreams and leaving a lasting legacy on the Olympic stage.
