One door closes and another opens in a big way. Just months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, USA Track & Field dropped a surprise update that reshaped their marathon lineup. A key member of the women’s team, Betsy Saina, originally locked in and ready to represent, has officially stepped down. But not due to injury or form. This time, it’s because she’s expecting a new chapter in life: motherhood. And with that, Team USATF had a decision to make fast. So, who would step up in her place?

The answer? Jess McClain, who’s been quietly putting in the work and building an elite resume over the past few years. Though originally named an alternate, McClain now finds herself thrust into the global spotlight. She’s not just a replacement; she’s a contender. McClain finished an impressive seventh at the Boston Marathon in April, clocking 2:22:43, the fastest time by an American woman in that race.

She also placed fourth at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials marathon with a personal best of 2:25:46, and came fourth in the 10,000m at this year’s Olympic Trials on the track and field. In short? She’s more than ready. But… is it her championship? It will be a first for McClain to wear the Team USATF kit on the world scene, and she will be in good company.

She is in the Tokyo 25 squad alongside her Brooks team-mates Erika Kemp, also receiving her first international call-up, and Susanna Sullivan, who raced in Budapest last year. However, to McClain, this is not a mere call-up but a dream come true. “I am so honored and thrilled to represent Team USATF in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September,” she said.

“To be able to race alongside my Brooks teammates, Erika and Susanna, as we contend to bring medals back home is also a dream come true.” The women’s marathon will take place in the morning of September 14. However, the major question is, can she stand up to the occasion as Betsy Saina would have in a big track and field showdown?

While Betsy Saina takes a breather from track and field, Jess McClain is hot on her heels

When a distance track and field champion gives up racing flats and takes up baby bottles and then returns to the track even faster than before? The Kenyan-American icon in long-distance running, Betsy Saina, has done so. She is a 2016 Olympian and former NCAA champ who has run a 2:19:17 marathon and came back better than ever after motherhood in 2023.

She ended up winning the Sydney Marathon and running a sensational 2:26:47 in Tokyo, the fastest marathon by an American woman that year. However, in a happily ever after twist, Saina has just recently declared her second pregnancy and has withdrawn joyfully from the 2025 World Championships and Olympic Trials, to spend time with her family.

She already demonstrated that she can dominate post-childbirth; now she is redefining the script on elite motherhood, once again. While Saina hits pause, another name is climbing fast, Jess McClain. Formerly Jess Tonn, she’s a Stanford alum with serious fire in her legs. Jess placed 4th at the 2024 Olympic Trials marathon and just delivered a career-defining performance at the 2025 Boston Marathon.

Her finish? 7th overall and first American in 2:22:43, nearly a three-minute personal best. She’s not a mother herself, but often speaks about the inspiration she draws from women like Saina. What’s striking? Jess’s 10,000m best (30:59:71) is catching up to Saina’s (30:07:78), and her marathon time now ranks among the top 10 fastest ever by an American woman.

No longer just a dark horse, Jess is emerging as a serious contender. So, can McClain eventually surpass Saina? The numbers don’t lie: Saina still holds faster PRs, especially that 2:19:17 marathon, but Jess is gaining ground fast and has age on her side (McClain’s 33 to Saina’s 36). With Saina temporarily out and Jess still improving, 2025 could be McClain’s moment.

But make no mistake, when Saina returns post-baby, this could be a thrilling rivalry. One’s a proven legend and mother of one (soon two), the other a hungry star rewriting her peak. In a track and field race with both on the start line? We’d be watching every step.