Cricketers with Family Members Who Took the Olympic Stage
Cricket is all set for a grand comeback at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 after an absence of 124 years from the world’s biggest sporting stage. While athletes from across the world shone brightly in the Paris Olympics 2024, it is of importance to note that despite its gigantic following, cricket has never been included since 1900. Then, it was only 24 players who participated in a two-day Test match between Great Britain and France; gold went to the former. Fast-forward to 2028, and cricket will again feature but in a much more modern format: T20 International. Though cricket itself has spent over a century out of the way, some family members of cricketing legends have enjoyed their share of limelight at the Olympics. So, here is a brief look at three cricketers whose relatives have graced the grand Olympic stage: 1. Mitchell Starc’s Brother, Brandon Starc, at Paris 2024 The Starc family indeed does have sport running through its veins. While Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has had success in cricket’s biggest tournaments with his lethal bowling and record-breaking IPL deals, it is his younger brother who represents the family name in the Olympics. Brandon is an Australian high jumper who has been persistent at the Games since Rio 2016, moving on to Tokyo 2020, and recently Paris 2024. His experience includes a silver medal in the 2010 Youth Olympics and gold in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Olympic podium hasn’t seen Brandon yet. 2. Keith Thomson’s Brother, William Thomson, at Mexico 1968 New Zealand’s Keith Thomson was known for his brief career as a test cricketer, playing one test match against India in 1968, before moving to become an umpire. However, it was his brother William Thomson who made the news in another sport. William was a member of the New Zealand men’s hockey team during the 1968 Mexico Olympics. What was expected to be a straightforward victory for the Kiwis did what no one had thought they would–defeat reigning champions India in the opening match. Unfortunately, New Zealand couldn’t sustain that momentum, finishing third in their group and out of the semifinals despite a solid record of three wins and four draws. 3. Winston Benjamin’s Son, Rai Benjamin, at Paris 2024 Son of the former West Indies pace bowler Winston Benjamin, Rai Benjamin, made a name for himself in athletics and captured gold at the Paris Olympics 2024 in the 400m hurdles. Rai’s time of 46.46 seconds secured him a top spot at Stade de France, building on his already distinguished list of accolades including a silver medal at Tokyo 2020 and a raft of awards won at the World Championships. His victory in Paris was extra special for his family but also offered a glimpse into the future of sporting greatness. These stories remind us that while cricket as a game was not present, the fighting spirit of the loved ones of cricket stars never went out of existence as we prepare ourselves for cricket’s comeback in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Now, the whole world will wait for 2028—cricketers are going to get their chance to blaze the Olympic podium again. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
