North Texas Helps Olympian's Family Head to London

A North Texas community is rallying behind a local Olympian to make sure his biggest cheerleaders get to London.

Marquise Goodwin represents the United States in the long jump. He also plays college football for the Texas Longhorns, and the NCAA has strict rules about accepting gifts or donations.

But an NCAA-compliant fundraiser hopes to get his mother and grandmother to the Olympics without getting Goodwin in trouble.

"I'm proud of him, proud of him, and he knows it, too," said his mother, Tamina Goodwin.

Goodwin has always cheered on her son. She hopes to be by his side again when he leaps into London on the U.S. Olympic long jump team.

The Rowlett High School graduate has dreamed of the Olympics since he was 10 years old.

"To know that my baby, my first child, is representing the United States of America is just 'whoa' -- makes me teary-eyed. I'm so proud of him you; just don't understand," Goodwin said.

Life has been full of hurdles for Goodwin who struggled to raise four children, one with special needs. NCAA rules don't allow her son to take any donations or sponsorships.

But UT alumnus and Texadelphia owner Tom Landis was moved to hold an NCAA-compliant fundraiser to help his mother and grandmother get to London.

"When I think of the definition of what an Olympic hero is, it's everything that not just Marquise has done, but what his mom has done," Landis said.

"I think this is something that transcends being a Longhorn and it transcends sports," Landis said.

The Goodwin family hopes to head to London on July 26, the day before the opening ceremony.