Fans are discovering a surprising family connection for Team GB rugby sevens star Grace Crompton, who is the step-granddaughter of renowned West End actor and singer Michael Ball.
The 22-year-old Crompton, the youngest member of the women's rugby squad, made her mark in the Olympics quarter-final against the USA on Monday night. While her athleticism on the field has been garnering attention, it's her family ties that have recently become a topic of conversation.
Ball, 62, married Crompton's grandmother Cathy McGowan before she was born, making him a constant presence in Crompton's life. The musical theatre legend, known for his roles in "Les Miserables" and "Aspects Of Love," has been a devoted supporter of his step-granddaughter's rugby career.
Crompton revealed in an interview with BBC Radio 2 that she fondly calls Ball and her grandmother "Bumpy and Bally," and considers them her biggest supporters. She shared, "Bally is my step-granddad, but he's been in our family since my mum Emma was born, so he's all I've ever known."
"He's an absolute fan of ours. He always tells me that he never thought he would be cheering on women's rugby sevens, but here he is now. He watches every stop on the series with my grandma. They put on the live stream with a glass of wine in hand and watch all day. They are the biggest supporters ever."
The rugby star joked, "I guess he's great at what he does as well. I will never say no to a bit of Les Mis on the team bus."
Ball, who received an OBE for his contributions to the arts, has been open about his inability to have children of his own due to injuries sustained in a parachuting accident during his youth. Despite this, he has formed a close bond with Crompton and her brother Connor, of whom he is godfather. He has previously expressed his joy at the unexpected arrival of a child in his life, saying, "I never thought a baby was going to come into my life in any shape or form, let alone one I was going to be so close to."
Crompton's rugby journey has taken her to the global stage. She scored two tries in the recent Paris Olympics, contributing to Great Britain's 26-17 victory over South Africa. However, their medal hopes were dashed with a defeat to the USA, leaving them out of contention for the podium. Despite this setback, Crompton remains a promising player, having moved from Bristol Bears to Harlequins earlier this year.
The team is currently facing a separate controversy involving Crompton's teammate Amy Wilson-Hardy, who is under investigation for allegedly making a racist comment on WhatsApp. British Olympic Association officials are reviewing a screenshot of a conversation that appears to involve Wilson-Hardy and an unnamed individual.
As Crompton continues her rugby career, her family connection to Michael Ball adds an intriguing layer to her story. While her athletic achievements are being celebrated, it's clear that she has a strong support system behind her, including a step-grandparent who is a household name in the world of entertainment.
