Paris Olympics: Phoenix Elementary Kids Cheering for Their Beloved Track Coach

Students at Phoenix’s Emerson Elementary know Olympian Freddie Crittenden as their track coach.

PHOENIX — Students at Emerson Elementary gathered to watch Olympian Freddie Crittenden advance to the finals in the 110m hurdle jump on Wednesday. Crittenden’s qualification came despite an adductor injury sustained just days before the semi-finals.

Freddie Crittenden serves as a counselor for G Road, a nonprofit after-school program at Emerson Elementary. Program Director Brandon Witcher highlighted Freddie’s impactful role over the past three years. “Freddie is a gift with working with young people,” Witcher said. “He supports our young people, helping them to talk about their dreams and their goals through our road mapping curriculum. He is the coach for the track club. He supports kids through athletics.”

Jalyse Woods, a student in Crittenden’s track club, expressed her appreciation for his coaching style. “We do hurdles, we do relays, sometimes we just run,” Woods said. “I like how kind his personality is, I love how he never gives up, he always perseveres.”

The excitement was echoed by other students at Emerson. Addison Doolittle said, “I’m glad he got to be in the Olympics.” Ayniah Haro added, “[I’m] proud of him.”

Witcher remarked on Crittenden’s dedication, saying, “I can’t conceptualize how he does it every day. You know, burning and putting out so much energy during training and then having to match the energy of 30 kids. It’s crazy.” Witcher also noted the recent addition to Crittenden’s family, a baby girl born just before he flew out for the Olympics. “He literally had his daughter and maybe saw her two days before he had to fly to the Olympics,” Witcher said. “So we are just trying to do as much as we possibly can, to send all the love, support and good vibes his way.”

The Associated Press reports that Crittenden was unsponsored until a few weeks ago, supplementing his income by working as a video game retailer and in a warehouse while training.

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