Devynne Charlton isn’t just a world-class hurdler; she’s a record-smashing force of nature. With back-to-back World Indoor Championships gold medals in 2024 and 2025 and a jaw-dropping 60-meter hurdles world record of 7.65 seconds, she’s put the Bahamas on the global track map. And how can we forget a Commonwealth Games silver medal and an Olympic final appearance in Tokyo? It’s clear she’s one of the Caribbean’s brightest athletic stars. But behind every great athlete, there is an even greater parent who provides support. Meet David and Laura Charlton, the duo whose grit, values, and Bahamian pride sculpted Devynne’s journey from a kid in Nassau to a household name.
Who Is Devynne Charlton’s Father?
David Charlton isn’t your average track dad. Before cheering from the sidelines, he was the one blazing trails. A hurdler and relay sprinter in his prime, David represented the Bahamas at the first-ever World Championships in 1983 and later set NCAA records with Howard University’s 4x100m relay team. But his legacy didn’t stop at the finish line. After retiring, he pivoted to coaching, guiding the Bahamian men’s 4x100m relay team to Olympic gold at London 2012, a historic first for the nation.
And do you know? David didn’t just coach elites. In 2009, he founded the Star Trackers Track & Field Club, a grassroots program that’s become a launchpad for young Bahamian talent, including his daughter. Devynne started hurdling at 14 under his watch, initially treating it as a side hustle. “He taught me to embrace pressure,” she says, crediting his no-nonsense philosophy, equal parts discipline and resilience, for her mental edge.
Who Is Devynne Charlton’s Mother?
When it comes to Devynne’s mother, Laura Pratt-Charlton is the quiet powerhouse behind the scenes. A pharmacist and entrepreneur, she’s mastered the art of balancing career and family while keeping her daughters grounded. You’ve probably seen her in those viral race clips—sobbing happy tears in the stands as Devynne crosses the line. But Laura’s influence runs deeper than viral moments.
“She taught me to stay focused on my goals but never forget where I came from,” Devynne says. That mantra explains why, despite global fame, Devynne still gives back-to-basics pep talks at her old high school, St. Augustine’s College. Laura’s emphasis on humility and community stuck—whether Devynne’s partnering with Bahamian telecom giant BTC or mentoring kids in Nassau.
What Is Devynne Charlton’s Parents’ Nationality?
Both David and Laura are Bahamian through and through. David grew up on Mayaguana, a tiny island known for its pristine beaches and tight-knit communities, while Laura’s roots trace back to Long Island. Their connection to the Bahamas’ “Family Islands” shaped Devynne’s childhood. Summers spent on Cat Island with her grandmother immersed her in Bahamian traditions, fishing, storytelling, and soaking up the slower pace of island life.
That upbringing fuels Devynne’s role as a tourism ambassador today. “If you want quiet beaches or fishing, go to the Family Islands,” she urges travelers. “Each one offers something unique.” In fact, it is safe to say that her parents’ careers, i.e., David’s coaching and Laura’s community work, mirror her own mission to uplift Bahamian youth.
At 29, Devynne just defended her World Indoor title in Nanjing. Next, she is aiming to win at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Then, she’s gunning for her first Olympic podium at the 2028 LA Games. But no matter how high she climbs, her parents keep her grounded. Watch for David in the stands, studying her every stride. Laura will be there too—tears streaming, like always. Their secret? A family legacy built on hustle, heart, and hometown pride.
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