Alana Reid has rapidly climbed the Jamaican sprint ranks, enthralling track and field enthusiasts with her velocity and grit. Behind the rapid ascent are Alana’s parents, Garfield Reid and Karen Chisholm, who have provided motivation and support pivotal to her rise to the top. Both Jamaican citizens, Garfield and Karen, have their tales of perseverance and commitment to share, moulding Alana into the sportswoman that she is today. Here’s a closer look at who they are and how they’ve helped shape Alana’s story.

Who Is Alana Reid’s Father?

Born on January 14, 1981, in Jamaica, Garfield Reid is the father of Alana Reid. He was a professional footballer who made an impact on the sport nationally and internationally. A natural defender, his physical presence and dedication characterized Reid’s playing career on the field. He represented a number of notable Jamaican clubs, including Rivoli United F.C., Waterhouse F.C., and Benfica F.C., as a solid and diligent player. His coaches noticed his talent, leading to his first call-up to the Jamaican national team (the “Reggae Boyz”) in 2004. Reid debuted against Uruguay that year and subsequently earned 26 caps, providing priceless defensive support despite not scoring any goals for the national team.

One of Reid’s standout accomplishments occurred in July 2004 when he became the first Jamaican player to feature in the Norwegian league. Going out on loan to Hamarkameratene (HamKam), he proved his versatility and willingness to learn, playing in new surroundings away from home. This was an indication of his ambition and desire to break frontiers—traits that he has probably imparted to his daughter. Prior to his professional years, Reid started playing football in Jamaica’s competitive youth ranks. He played for Charlemont High School in the elite DaCosta Cup, a nursery of sorts for many of Jamaica’s sporting stars, and youth football for Rivoli United F.C. Although retired from the playing field, Reid has remained engaged with the sport, serving the Jamaican national team setup in capacities that enable him to pay back the game that has enriched his life.

Who Is Alana Reid’s Mother?

Karen Chisholm, Alana Reid’s mother, is the unheralded hero of her daughter’s life. St. Catherine, Jamaica, is Karen’s home, where she has established a family- and community-based life that serves as a solid foundation for Alana’s sporting ambitions. Though she might not enjoy a public presence through her husband’s football fame, Karen’s impact is intense and intimate. Portrayed as a devoted and caring mother, Karen has been a steady source of support, encouraging Alana to balance the harsh pressures of competitive sprinting with school and her own development. In a nation where track and field is an integral part of the culture, Karen’s part in keeping Alana level-headed has been the key to her daughter’s capacity to succeed despite adversity.

She’s a familiar presence cheering on Alana at meets, providing the sort of unshakeable faith that instils an athlete with confidence. Whether she’s keeping Alana in line or basking in her triumphs—such as her stellar performances that have invited comparisons to Jamaican sprinting greats—Karen’s been a constant presence. Her dedication is part of a larger culture of Jamaican parents who encourage their children’s gifts, guiding them from local tracks to international stages.