Athletes with their fathers

June 14, 2013
Courtesy of Elena Delle Donne

Elena Delle Donne, basketball

"My favorite thing to do with my dad is to go golfing. It really gives us a chance to spend time together while doing something that we both love. We have made great memories on the golf course, and I will never forget this time that we spend together."

Courtesy of Elena Delle Donne

Elena Delle Donne, basketball

"My favorite thing to do with my dad is to go golfing. It really gives us a chance to spend time together while doing something that we both love. We have made great memories on the golf course, and I will never forget this time that we spend together."

Courtesy of Kyla Ross

Kyla Ross, gymnastics

"My favorite thing to do with my dad is cook and bake. He is awesome in the kitchen, and we like to experiment and copy all the fun foods we see on TV."

Courtesy of Meryl Davis

Meryl Davis, ice dancing

"One of the greatest gifts my father has given me is a love of literature. Both of my parents read to me as a child, but I quickly shared my dad's passion for the classics. Sharing my journey through the greats with my father is such a blessing and has been so impactful on my life."

Courtesy of Davellyn Whyte

Davellyn Whyte, basketball

"My dad played in the MLB for 17 seasons. In this picture, I'm the one on the far right. One of the best memories I have is going to the park with him when I was younger."

Courtesy of Lauren Crandall

Lauren Crandall, field hockey

"This photo is from inside the Olympic Village of the 2012 Olympics. The best piece of advice my dad has given me is to have fun! I think he said this because I was already too competitive at a young age -- but it has stuck with me throughout my career."

Courtesy of Ariana Guerra

Ariana Guerra, gymnastics

"This is at a restaurant in Washington at the 2009 Junior Olympic nationals. My favorite thing to do with my dad is collect coins, and I love it when he grills steak. I always watched 'A Bug's Life' with him until the videotape was worn out."

Courtesy of Maia Shibutani

Maia Shibutani, ice dancing

"This is from one of the first times I skated. My dad has taught me to have the courage to try new things and to find joy in even simple things in my everyday life."

Courtesy of Jessica Mendoza

Jessica Mendoza, softball

"The best gift my father gave me was his smile ... in it is a love for life and a passion to compete. Oh, and they are contagious if used wisely!"

Courtesy of Kelsey Kolojejchick

Kelsey Kolojejchick, field hockey

"I used to swim, and my dad would always give me pep talks before competitions to make me less nervous and pump me up. I couldn't ask for a more loving dad. I will get text messages that just say, 'Hi ... love you' at random times during the day, and it shows he is always thinking about me."

Courtesy of Erin Hamlin

Erin Hamlin, luge

"My dad taught me to stay focused on my own goals and dreams and never get caught up in other people's drama. Always use a competition to make a statement, and pay close attention to the small details. Most important, he taught me his favorite phrase, 'My body is a temple,' to guilt me out of eating junk food!"

Courtesy of Hilary Knight

Hilary Knight, hockey

"From a very young age, my dad has inspired me. He instilled the value of hard work and diligence in pursuing my dreams. He has always supported me and is one of my biggest cheerleaders. I love you, Dad!"

Courtesy of Aly Raisman

Aly Raisman, gymnastics

"This is from my Bat Mitzvah in 2007. I love spending time with Dad because we both love facing new challenges, working hard and of course, we share a love of sports!"

Courtesy of Cristina Gao

Cristina Gao, figure skating

"When I was younger, I'd go fishing with my dad. I could never catch a fish, but the experience was fun! My dad has taught me to work hard and never give up. He's always believed in me, and I'm so grateful to have him there for me. I wouldn't be where I am today without him!"

Courtesy of Brenna Dowell

Brenna Dowell, gymnastics

"This is my awesome dad with me on prom night! The best gift he ever gave me was his love and support -- I'm one of his biggest fans!"

Courtesy of Emily Cook

Emily Cook, aerial skiing

"The best gift my dad has given me is the confidence to work toward my dreams ... and of course my first pair of skis."

Courtesy of Kamiko Williams

Kamiko Williams, basketball

"My pops taught me everything I know about basketball and is the main reason I am where I am today. He is the reason I love this game. Growing up, my favorite thing to do with my pops was play video games and watch him beat all the levels on Mario. And the greatest gift my pops has ever given me is just his love and time to be my daddy!"

Courtesy of Seattle Storm

Camille Little, basketball

"My dad and I played basketball all the time. He would watch me play against guys while he was working at the recreation center and give me pointers and encourage me to keep playing. When I would beat them he would tell me to go back down to the gym and beat another guy."

Courtesy of Chellsie Memmel

Chellsie Memmel, gymnastics

"We were always doing gymnastics, even on vacation. We just loved to have fun with it! This picture is from a family trip in Colorado Springs. I'm on the left, and my younger sister, Mara, is on the right. My dad didn't become my gymnastics coach until about 10 years later ... I guess this picture was one of the first glimpses into the future!”

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