Graham Blanks Age And Family: How Old Is The Runner?

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Graham Blanks age is 21 years and not 29 like it shows up on Google searches. Blanks is a junior at Harvard University, having completed high school at Athens Academy.

The reigning NCAA cross country champion and indoor 5000m record holder Graham had one the best years in his athletic career. He remained undefeated in 2023 and celebrated the New Year with a major NIL deal.

Graham Blanks Pictured After Breaking The 5000m Record
Graham Blanks Pictured After Breaking The 5000m Record (Source: Instagram)

Blanks signed a deal with New Balance and hosted a New Year’s Eve three-mile run in his hometown. A kid who began his running career by participating in the Turkey Trot, Blanks has certainly come far.

The captain of his side, when asked about his typical Friday night, the 21-year-old said the only thing he does is sleep. 

Graham Blanks Age: How Old Is The Runner?

Graham Blanks turned 21 last year, but weirdly enough, when you search for his age, it shows up as 29. Last year, one of Graham’s well-wishers posted a birthday message on the Lets Run forum.

The post was made on April 24, with the user writing, “Join me in wishing Graham a happy birthday! Happy birthday, Graham!”

The Athens native, Graham, grew up playing soccer. He was a letterwinner in soccer, track and field, and cross country at Athens Academy, the small private high school in Georgia, where he graduated in 2020.

Graham Blanks Pictured After Winning The NCAA DI Cross Country Title
Graham Blanks Pictured After Winning The NCAA DI Cross Country Title (Source: Instagram)

At Athens, during his junior and senior years, Graham captained the track and field and the cross country team. The only runner in his family, the youngster credits his mother for persuading him to participate in various competitions.

In an interview, Graham said he was 13 when he started doing 5k races. His mother also started him on annual turkey trots early in his life.

One of the other reasons Graham started running was to help his endurance on the soccer pitch. That is when his coaches at school, Geoffery Walton and Neville Anderson, thought they had something serious on their hands. 

Walton described Blanks’ running as effortless, and he knew Graham was a good runner but never thought he would reach this level.

In 2019, Graham was crowned the Georgia Gatorade Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year and also won the GATFXCCA Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year title. 

Graham Blanks Family 

In an interview, Graham talked about both his mum’s and dad’s side families. His parents are divorced, but Eric and Mary Catherine maintained a strong bond so they could continue contributing to their child’s life.

His mother, Mary Catherine Smith, graduated from Athens Academy in 1993 and later earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi-School of Business Administration. 

Since 2010, Mary Catherine has been working as a realtor. She works at Corcoran Classic Living and is a member of the Athens Academy Alumni Board, the Athens Heritage Garden Club, and the Colonial Dames of America.

Graham Blanks Pictured With His Family, Including His Mother, Mary Catherine, His Sister, Annie (Second From Right), Stepfather, Ed Smith, And Stepsiblings Madison And Hudson Smith
Graham Blanks Pictured With His Family, Including His Mother, Mary Catherine, His Sister, Annie (Second From Right), Stepfather, Ed Smith, And Stepsiblings Madison And Hudson Smith (Source: Facebook)

Mary is available on Instagram but has kept her handle private. After her divorce from Eric, Mary tied the knot with Ed Smith and shares two other kids-Madison and Hudson. 

Graham’s father, Eric Smith, is also a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He previously worked as an account executive at GMAC Mortgage and later worked as an account executive correspondent lending at Fidelity Bank. 

He currently works at Truist Bank as a correspondent account manager. Graham’s only full sibling, Annie Blanks, is a student at the University of Georgia. 

Sriyukta Pradhananga
Sriyukta Pradhananga

Sriyukta Pradhananga

Sriyukta Pradhananga is a versatile writer with a keen interest in exploring the multifaceted dimensions of sports. Her articles offer readers a dynamic blend of insightful analysis, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary that sheds light on the diverse experiences within the athletic realm.

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