While reaching the Olympics is a personal achievement for Jasmine Jones, it also is a joyous triumph for her top supporter, her mother.
Christine Graves clearly holds a lofty spot on Team Jones.
“She’s been there for every early morning, every setback, every moment when quitting would’ve been easier than continuing,” Jones posted on a GoFundMe page aimed at paying for her mom’s trip to the Milano Cortina Olympics. “She believed in me long before medals, cameras or Olympic announcements were ever part of the picture. When no one else could see how big this dream was, she did.”
Jones, 29, a Jeannette native and Hempfield graduate, reached her goal by qualifying for the Winter Games. Now, her mom will be there to watch her go for gold in the bobsled.
A crowdfunding campaign with a goal of $10,000 has topped $12,000, so Graves has packed her bags for Italy.
Jones was ecstatic to learn Graves will be able to make the 4,300-mile trip.
“I’m excited to have her here and that she won’t be stressed out,” Jones said. “Her health is a priority of mine, and I want to limit stress as much as I can. She’s happy and ready to get here.”
Jones, a single mom to 4-year-old Jade, will compete in the two-woman bobsled starting Feb. 20. The former track star, who was a sprinter at Eastern Michigan, asked for financial help to pay for her mom’s flight and hotel to, “reunite a mother and daughter at the biggest moment of my career.”
Over 190 donations were made to the fundraiser, ranging from $10 to $500.