3 cricketers whose family members participated in other sports at the Olympics ft. Mitchell Starc
Cricket will return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded recently with so many athletes getting an opportunity to display their talents at the grandest stage of 'em all.
The Olympics have been one of the most-followed events across the world. Even the people who don't follow sports regularly keep an eye on the Olympics. It is because it happens once every four years and the best in the world compete at this stage.
Cricket has an enormous fan following, but it was not a part of the 2024 Paris Olympics. In fact, the last time cricket was included in the Olympics was back in the year 1900. Twenty four players participated in that event, where Great Britain beat France to win the gold medal. It was a two-day Test match in 1900, but in 2028, the cricket tournament will have a T20I format.
While cricketers have stayed away from the Olympics for 124 years, some relatives of cricket stars have represented their nation on the grand stage. Here's a look at the three cricketers whose relatives played another sport at the Olympics.
#1 Mitchell Starc's brother Brandon participated in high jump at Paris 2024 Olympics
Sports run in the blood of the Starc family. Mitchell Starc is a fast bowler, who plays for Australia. He owns the record for being the most expensive player in IPL history, and he has also won every major championship.
Mitchell's younger brother Brandon Starc represents Australia in high jump. He participated in the 2010 Youth Olympics, where he won a silver medal. In 2018, he won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
At the Olympics, Brandon has represented Australia at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. However, he couldn't win a medal at any of those events.
#2 Keith Thomson's brother William played hockey for New Zealand at 1968 Mexico Olympics
Keith Thomson played two Test matches for New Zealand against India in 1968. The former Kiwi player then became an umpire. His brother William Thomson also played a couple of first-class matches, but he achieved more success in hockey.
William was a member of the New Zealand men's hockey team that participated in the 1968 Olympics hosted by Mexico. Despite defeating defending champions India in the first match, New Zealand could not qualify for the semifinals. The Kiwi team finished third in Group A with three wins and four draws from seven matches.
#3 Winston Benjamin's son Rai won a gold medal at Paris 2024 Olympics
While Mitchell Starc and Keith Thompson's brothers couldn't win Olympic medals, former West Indies fast bowler Winston Benjamin's son Rai bagged a gold. He did so at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics. Rai won a gold medal for the USA in the 400m hurdles race. He finished the race in 46.46 seconds to win the gold at Stade de France.
Notably, Rai also won a silver medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He has won multiple medals at the World Championships as well.