With the buzz Juvaughn Harrison has been creating in the athletic world, some of its credit must go to his parents, Georgia Harrison and Dennis Blake.
As a former athlete, his parents worked to develop and nurture his athletic personality from a young age. Following their mark, Juvaughn didn’t disappoint his parents either.
JayVaughn Harrison is 25-year-old American professional high and long jumper.
Standing 1.93 m tall, Harrison has garnered notable success and recognition since a young age.
During his collegiate career, he achieved personal bests in the high jump with 2.30 m and the long jump with 8.45 m.
Furthermore, the six-time national champion hasn’t stopped making waves at the Olympics either.
During the 2020 Summer Olympics, he became the first American man to qualify for high and long jump since Jim Thorpe in 1912.
Recently, in the 2023 World Athletic Championship, Harrison earned the silver medal, finishing second to Gianmarco Tamberi.
Juvaughn Harrison Parents
Juvaughn Harrison was born on April 30, 1999, in Huntsville, Alabama, to his Jamaican parents, Georgia Harrison and Dennis Blake. Besides him, they have a son named Ky-Mani Harrison.
Interestingly, his parents are renowned figures in the world of sports, sharing a common passion for track and field events.
Given his athletic background, Juvaughn’s indulgence in sports shall not come as a surprise.
Both parents claim a hand in his athletic ability, fostering him to develop into a high-level athlete.
Mother, Georgia Harrison
Juvaughn’s mother, Georgia, is an elite athlete herself. She boasts an impressive history as a former track star who notably represented the Alabama A&M University from 1993-96.
She ranked among the nation’s best track and field athletes in her heyday. Throughout her career, she secured numerous gold medals in several track events, such as the 400m dash and 400m intermediate hurdles.
Her undeniable athletic ability earned her notable honors, including the induction into the 2014 AAMU Athletic Hall of Fame.
In addition to her athletic achievements, she obtained a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from AAMU.
Currently, she proudly serves as a Business and Finance Analyst at AAMU.
Although she maintains a low-key online presence, her support in Juvaughn’s professional career is visible.
Juvaughn, too, acknowledges that his mother’s guidance has shaped him into becoming the athlete he is today.
Father, Dennis Blake
Juvaughn’s father, Dennis Blake (born September 6, 1970), a former sprinter, shares an incredible sporting background full of honors and achievements.
An Olympic medalist and nine-time All-American, Dennis received the Most Valuable Player title at the SIAC championship, winning the Abbott Award.
Likewise, along with three other players, he secured a silver medal at the 1995 Pan American Games hosted in Argentina.
Further, the Alabama A&M University alumnus gained numerous accolades and honors during his collegiate career.
His extensive athletic records earned him the induction into the 2006 AAMU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following his retirement, he opted for a different career path away from the realm of sports.
Based on his LinkedIn profile, he is a Mentoring Thru Sports Professionals project manager.