Across the globe, twin athletes have taken the athletics world by storm—shattering records, winning medals, and proving that talent can, indeed, come in twos. Whether sprinting down the straightaway or leading powerful relays, these twin sisters show that family bonds can drive greatness on the track.
The Clayton Twins – Jamaica’s Sprinting Power
Tina and Tia Clayton, born on August 17, 2004, have redefined junior sprinting for Jamaica. Together, they stormed to double gold at the 2021 and 2022 World U20 Championships—winning the 100m and setting world U20 records in the 4x100m relay with times of 42.94s and 42.59s.
Tina shone individually with a 100m championship record in 2022, while Tia anchored both relays and has grown into an elite senior athlete. At the 2024 Silesia Diamond League, she clocked a stunning 10.83 seconds, earning a place in the 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Nielsen Twins – Resilience and Speed from Britain
British twins Lina and Laviai Nielsen have made their mark in the 400m and 400m hurdles, excelling despite both being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Lina, a former national record holder and yoga instructor, helped Team GB win bronze in the 4x400m at the 2024 World Indoor Championships. Laviai, an Olympian and world medalist, secured silver in the mixed 4x400m and bronze in the women’s 4x400m at the 2023 World Championships. They added another bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, underlining their strength as a duo.
The Gitonga Twins – Kenyan Long-Distance Breakthrough
In February 2025, Purity and Caroline Gitonga made Kenyan athletics history at the Metz Indoor Meet in France. Purity led a 1–2 finish with Caroline in the 3000m, placing Kenyan twin distance runners firmly on the international radar. Their rise is a testament to Kenya’s growing dominance beyond traditional outdoor events.
The Moll Twins – American Vaulting Stars
In the pole vault, American twins Hana and Amanda Moll are flying high. Hana won gold at the 2022 World U20 Championships and cleared 4.81m in 2025—one of the top vaults in collegiate history. Amanda, who set a world U18 best, continues to push elite standards, turning heads in senior competitions.
The Kallur Twins – Swedish Hurdling Icons
Susanna and Jenny Kallur of Sweden brought global attention to Scandinavian athletics. Susanna, a former 60m hurdles world indoor record holder, won European gold in 2006. Jenny, a European indoor medalist, also played a key role in Sweden’s relay teams during their peak years.
The Barber Twins – USA’s Sprint Relay Force
Me’Lisa and Mikele Barber helped define the U.S. sprint scene in the early 2000s. Me’Lisa won U.S. titles and World Indoor golds, while both sisters contributed to dominant American 4x100m squads. Their chemistry made them a feared pair on the world stage.
From the Caribbean to Europe and East Africa to the United States, these twin sisters show that shared genes and shared goals can produce unmatched success. Whether it’s sprinting, hurdling, or distance running, these sibling stars continue to prove that in athletics, sometimes greatness comes in double strides.
