Raising an Olympian: Former Rock Island track star Courtney Lindsey’s mom shares his journey

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Former Rock Island track star Courtney Lindsey will be competing at the Olympics in Paris and his mom has been right by his side.

Lindsey’s mom, Larondia Vesey says his love for running didn’t come at a young age, but once he discovered it, the rest was history.

Lindsey actually grew up boxing because his step-father owns a boxing gym in Rock Island.

“So he did boxing with him from when he was nine and then we tried to talk him into running track,” Vesey said. “He didn’t want to run track. So he waited another year, but then his cousin was in track, and then it was like a thing of who was the fastest and found out he was the fastest and he just fell in love with it. He’s been doing it ever since.”

Vesey says she recalls the moment she knew he found his special talent.

“It was when he was in high school and he did that 100,” Vesey said. “It was just after that it was just like every time Courtney Lindsey, Courtney Lindsey, number one. After that you know so many of those number ones you know, I just knew he was destined to do it and then I seen he enjoyed it so I just know when he enjoys something and he loves doing it, he’s gonna do his best.”

Vesey’s shares what she will say to her son right before he competes in the Olympics.

“Just do it as good as you can do, the best job and I’m rooting for you whatever the outcome is,” Vesey said. “We’re always going to be there.”

Lindsey’s family plans on having a watch party at the Rock Island boxing gym that they’ll share on Facebook but if not then they’ll stay at home and watch.

Lindsey will compete in the 4 x 100 relay in the Paris Olympics next week.