ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis Olympian will soon race for gold in Paris, and after thousands were raised, his family will now get to cheer him on in person.
Freddie Crittenden III's family said they’ve prayed for him and supported him as he’s chased his dreams over the years. Now, they'll get to support him in Paris in person as he takes on his first-ever Olympics.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family of St. Louisan competing in 2024 Olympics still needs help getting to Paris
The family confirmed to 5 On Your Side Monday morning that 11 of Freddie's family members will board a plane in Chicago next week and will arrive in Paris on time for his final race on Thursday. The family raised $20,000 out of their $25,000 GoFundMe goal, thanks in part to donors across the St. Louis region.
Freddie has risen to stardom on Team USA’s track and field team. He punched his ticket to Paris when he finished second in the Olympic Trials with a new personal-best time of 12.93 seconds – just 0.13 seconds shy of the world record. He’ll show his skills on the world stage next week when he competes in the 110-meter hurdles next week.
He credits St. Louis with much of his success, saying “My peers, my mentors, my friends, the values that I've developed — all of them are rooted in St. Louis." Freddie said.
How you can donate
The GoFundMe for the family is still open, with the family saying another $5,000 will help secure all 11 family members' travel due to fluctuating prices. You can donate by visiting the family’s GoFundMe page.
You can also buy a T-shirt.
