The 2020 Tokyo hurdler silver medalist Kendra "Keni" Harrison was born on September 18, 1992. She broke the previous world mark of 12.21 seconds held by Bulgarian athlete Yordanka Donkova after nearly 28 years, in July 2016, during the London Muller Anniversary Games, with a time of 12.20 seconds.
Harrison specializes in 100m and 60m hurdles. During the World Championships, she won a silver medal at the 2019 Doha and a bronze at the 2023 Budapest for clocking 12.46 at both 100m hurdles. She also won gold at the 2018 Birmingham 60m hurdles by clocking 7.70, a championship and continental record, along with her personal best.
Most recently, in May 2024, Harrison won the Occidental Invitational 100-meter event at the Jack Kemp Stadium in Los Angeles in 11.55 seconds with a legal tailwind of +0.3 m/s.
Who are Keni Harrison’s parents?
Keni Harrison’s parents are Gary Harrison and Karon Harrison.
Keni was born in Tennessee to a mother she did not know. She was adopted by Gary and Karon. Of the 11 children Karon and Gary have, nine are adopted. The Harrison family has children of various nationalities, including two from Bolivia and two of Korean ancestry; Casey, 41, is the eldest and Kara, 26, the youngest.
Gary, who is employed by the Transportation Security Administration, and Karon, who is a preschool assistant teacher, are both retired military personnel. Along with cereal, mac and cheese, fish sticks, and plenty of milk, they also purchased toilet paper in bulk. Every week, the household consumes about seven gallons of milk. To facilitate their gatherings, Gary and their grandfather constructed a big dining room table.
Harrison, the family's middle child, began her athletic career as a soccer player before focusing on track. She ran for Clemson University during her academic career before moving to the University of Kentucky, where, as a senior, she took home two national titles. She also volunteered to be an assistant coach there.
Who is Keni Harrison’s father?
Keni Harrison’s father is Gary Harrison. He is a retired U.S. Navy pilot and works for the Transportation Security Administration in Clayton, North Carolina.
As Gary Harrison puts it, "we both agreed we didn't want kids" during their pre-marriage counselling sessions. Gary further added that no specific moment influenced their decision, but as their eldest daughter, Casey, was born, they wanted more kids but couldn't due to miscarriages and issues, so they adopted, and "Once we started, we just kept on.”
The Harrisons were a Navy family who resided all over the world, including Bolivia, Hawaii, California, and Georgia. Gary accepted a position in homeland security in North Carolina after retiring from the Navy. The family moved to Clayton, North Carolina.
Who is Keni Harrison’s mother?
Keni Harrison’s mother is Karon Harrison. She is a retired U.S. Navy physical therapist and works as a preschool teacher.
What is the nationality of Keni Harrison’s parents?
Keni Harrison’s parents, Gary and Karon, have American nationalities, given that they both served in the U.S. Navy. However, there’s no official statement by the Harrison family, but American nationality is the only likely outcome.
FAQ's On Keni Harrison’s Parents
A. Keni Harrison's parents are Gary Harrison and Karon Harrison.
A. Gary Harrison works for the Transportation Security Administration, and Karon Harrison is a preschool assistant teacher. Both are retired military personnel.
A. Keni Harrison has ten siblings, nine of whom are adopted.
A. Keni Harrison was born in Tennessee and raised in Clayton, North Carolina.
A. Keni Harrison's parents, Gary and Karon Harrison, are American. Both served in the U.S. Navy.
