Former San Diego State University hurdler Danae Dyer has had many supporters throughout her career, but none more so than her father, Andre.
“My biggest fan and best friend. So yeah, he was always there, always texting me, always wishing me the best,” Dyer said.
But in April 2023, in the midst of her senior season, Andre passed away. His death sent Danae into a dark place.
“I really wanted to quit. I wanted to quit college. I had so many dreams in athletics and I just wanted it to be over,” she said.
And while Danae stalled out for a while, recently, with the encouragement of friends and family and a strong inner drive, Danae is back on track and has begun overcoming obstacles, both literally and figuratively.
“My family encouraged me and said that my dad would have wanted me to continue, so it's really hard. It's hard not seeing him in the stands,” she said.
Workout after workout, hurdle after hurdle, Danae was back to her best. And in May, at the Olympic Trials in Chula Vista, Danae Dyer placed first in the 100-meter hurdles, earning a spot at the U.S. Olympic Trials. After the race, it wasn't her father who came running over to celebrate with her; it was her mother, Dawn. She ran out to the track and shared an emotional moment with her daughter. There was a lot of crying, a lot of hugging, a lot of emotion.
“My mom came running down the hill crying. She always wants to be with me whenever I run the 12-9, so we got to run together that day,” she said.
It's a proud moment for mother and daughter. What does Dad think?
“He's just proud, I think that's for sure,” she said.
Danae's dedication to getting back into elite shape after tragedy is all the more impressive considering she has a full-time job. Danae works in digital marketing for Sports San Diego. She's an unsponsored athlete who works many hours a day and then trains, whereas many of her rivals for the Olympic team are sponsored and only have to worry about training, not full-time jobs.
Danae is keeping friends, family and supporters updated on her quest through a GoFundMe campaign.
Nonetheless, the longshot is ready to give it his all at the Olympic Trials.
“I'm ready to compete with the best,” she said.
