News Summary
Cassie and Cassidra Thompson, track athletes at Jacksonville University, are preparing to represent the Bahamas at the Olympics. Their journey has been shaped by Hurricane Dorian, which affected their hometown. After training separately, the sisters reunited at JU and are now focusing on qualifying for the Paris 2024 and 2028 Olympics. Their story reflects resilience and the importance of familial bonds in overcoming adversity, inspiring others with their athletic pursuit.
Jacksonville, Florida
Cassie and Cassidra Thompson, sisters and track athletes at Jacksonville University (JU), are gearing up to represent the Bahamas in the 2028 Olympics. Their journey to this point has been marked by personal challenges, including their experience with Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
Hurricane Dorian devastated parts of the Bahamas, particularly the sisters’ hometown, causing extensive flooding and damage as it lingered over the island for two days. The impact of the hurricane was significant, not only disrupting the lives of those living in the Bahamas but altering the sisters’ athletic careers. Following the storm, Cassie Thompson made the difficult decision to move to Florida to pursue her track career, marking the first time she and Cassidra had been separated.
The separation proved emotionally challenging for both sisters, who expressed feelings of homesickness while they continued to train apart. During their time apart, they each excelled in their respective athletics. Known as the “Thompson twins” in high school, they each earned recognition in multiple sports before choosing to focus on track and field in college.
In 2023, the Thompson sisters reunited as teammates at JU, bringing their athletic partnership back to life. Their collaboration on the track has shown promising results, particularly in relay events where Cassidra passes the baton to Cassie. This partnership has contributed to a successful season for Cassie, who has celebrated notable achievements as a Dolphin at JU.
Both sisters are now focusing on their training with the goal of competing in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, with ambitions to qualify and represent the Bahamas in 2028. Cassidra recently showcased her talent at the NCAA East Regional, finishing strong in the 400-meter event, further cementing their commitment to their Olympic dreams.
The Olympic aspirations of the Thompson sisters serve as a testament to their resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. Their journey highlights not only their personal growth but also the strength of familial bonds that have propelled them through challenging times. As they prepare for the next steps in their athletic careers, the Thompson sisters continue to inspire others with their tenacity and achievements.
The path from hurricane survivors to Olympic hopefuls is a remarkable story that underscores their determination and the impact of natural disasters on individual lives. The Thompson sisters’ experiences exemplify the spirit of perseverance that athletes often embody, making their upcoming Olympic pursuits even more meaningful.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Thompson Sisters Journey
- Dignity Memorial: Matthew Thompson Obituary
- Legacy: Laurie Root Obituary
- Jacksonville.com: Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Olympics
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
