Shaine Casas' family proud following Olympic race

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Many people in the Rio Grande Valley watched as Shane Casas competed earlier this afternoon, including his family.

For the second time on the same day, Casas' family members arrived at his aunt’s house to rally behind the valley swimmer. Children and adults were all at the edge of their seats watching the competition.

After the final result was announced, they all expressed how glad they were able to live this moment together in the company of family. Casas's great-great aunt, Agnes Lalonde, looks forward to seeing him give the games another shot in the next four years.

“Regardless of this event, we are super proud of him and that he continues to be who he is," Lalonde said. "We expect a lot of more from him.”

She says Casas already accomplished a lot as it has been his dream to swim.

Sofia Vazquez, who is just a few months older than her cousin, remembers the Sundays watching all the family come together and watching him swim.

“We grew up watching him swim, he'd be back and forth, up and down that pool having the time of his life, and it's just been amazing to see him accomplish what has been his dream, probably since he was three, four years old," Vazquez said.

Vazquez says her cousin is a very family-oriented man who only wants to compete and give back to those he loves. Other family members said he won something else completely this Thursday, a united family.

“I would thank him and thank him again," said Emmanuel Lopez, Casas's cousin. "He brought so much joy for us as a family, and he brought us together, and I love the Olympics and have always loved them as a kid and maybe along the way I got a little lost but Shaine brought me back to watch the Olympics and for that I thank him.”

Shaine has even inspired the youngest in his family as they have taken up swimming lessons. For them, he is already a champion.

“I love him and he did good," Mia Spencer said.

Throughout the event, the family was also seen texting and talking with their relatives in Paris, France. They also said they are grateful for all the support the Rio Grande Valley gave to their family during this time.