She won’t be chasing medals in Tokyo this year. No starting gun, no final sprint, no podium moment. And yet, with one quiet announcement, she’s made one of the loudest statements of the season. In track and field where headlines are often dominated by records and medals, this 36-year-old African Championships bronze medalist showed everyone that sometimes the bravest move is stepping away, not sprinting forward. And just like that, the track and field world found a new reason to cheer, not for a time on the clock, but for a woman who chose to win at life.

That’s Betsy Saina! Just two months before the World Championships, this Kenyan-American marathoner gave up her dream for one thing- family. On June 10, she posted a photo of herself that said it all, without needing a medal around her neck. Dressed in a black full-sleeve zip-up athletic jacket, fitted black track pants, and light blue running shoes, Saina stood gracefully with her braided hair pulled back. Her hands rested gently on her stomach, her eyes cast down in quiet reflection. A baby bump visible. A mother’s strength undeniable. But what truly captured hearts was the caption.

“Super excited to promote Kalya to be the big brother in September,”  36-year-old track and field star announced with joy. Though she admitted her body is strong and ready to compete, her heart is even more ready for the arrival of her second child. “Passing the World Championships to someone else,” she wrote, “but I have unfinished business.” She wasn’t backing down, she was simply choosing to show up for something even bigger. Saina also took a moment to cheer on her peers, sending love to the national team: “I would love to wish our @usatf team all the best at the World Championships in Tokyo. Can’t wait to be back and giving it a try to make the next team and of course, chasing that Olympic team in LA. I know it’s everyone’s dream, but I’ll do all I can to be ready.”

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for her. After welcoming Kalya in 2021, she came back stronger than ever, clocking a 2:21 marathon and proving that motherhood and elite performance can go hand in hand. With baby number two on the way, Saina is already looking ahead to her next chapter on the track, fueled not only by her own drive but by the unwavering support of her team. She made sure to express gratitude in her post: “Big thank you to my sponsors and my amazing management for the support as always. For me to get back quick, the support was immense. Thank you @asics, @asicsrunning, @asicsrunning_jp, @mezzomanagementgroup for trusting in me.”

So no, she won’t be toeing the line in Tokyo this year but make no mistake, Betsy Saina is still running a race. One that honors her body, her family, and her future. She’s choosing presence over pressure, joy over podiums for now. And when she returns, the finish line better be ready—because she’s not done. Not even close. And judging by the outpouring of love from the track and field community, they’re not just cheering for her, they’re running this journey right beside her.

Track and field fans celebrate Betsy Saina’s greatest race yet

“Congrats Betsy!!! So beyond happy for you ❤️❤️❤️”  one track and field fan gushed under her Instagram post. Betsy Saina, Olympian, marathoner, and total warrior, did share the same beautiful news back in December 2021 as well: she had just welcomed her baby boy, Baraka Kalya (also called Kalya), in Nashville, Tennessee. He weighed a healthy 7.15 lbs, and the joy on her face in the photos said it all. Her caption read: “Our little man landed safely to the world last night. Baraka Kalya was born weight 7.15 lbs, I am proud to finally be a mom…”

Motherhood wasn’t exactly a new concept to Betsy, but living it firsthand changed everything. Another fan sweetly commented, “I’m so happy for you! I know you’ll be just as strong and amazing in motherhood as you are on the track. Wishing you a healthy pregnancy full of joy and strength.❤️” And she really was. Betsy kept moving all through her pregnancy, running up until eight months in and switching to long walks when it got tough. Just a few months after Kalya was born, she was already back out there, doing light strength work, running hour-long sessions, and eventually clocking a 25 km long run at around 7:22/mile pace. Her advice? “Take your time, listen to your body, don’t listen to anyone else.”

But you know how people can be, some track and field fans were quick to question whether she was pushing too hard, too soon. Betsy heard the noise, and instead of letting it shake her, she used it as fuel. Fast forward to March 2023, and she absolutely shut down the doubts.

“Ah congrats woman! 🙌 Kalya you will have a best friend soon!” one more track and field fan commented, and just like that—, he internet was all heart-eyes for Betsy Saina. Another added, “Aww congratulations ma’am! Kalya is so lucky to be a big brother,” and one more chimed in with, “Congratulations 🙌. Family first 👏.” And honestly? That’s the energy. Betsy just keeps showing the world how motherhood and elite running don’t just coexist, they can thrive together. At the Tokyo Marathon, just 15 months after giving birth, she ran a mind-blowing personal best of 2:21:40. That performance didn’t just make a statement, it made history. It placed her among the fastest American women ever post-pregnancy.

With support from ASICS and her management team, who backed her from pregnancy through her return, Betsy became the blueprint for balancing track and field and motherhood. She didn’t just return, she came back swinging. And she didn’t stop there. Betsy went on to win the Sydney Marathon with a time of 2:26:47, and then grabbed a national title at the USATF 25K Championships. Like, who does that? She was stacking wins and climbing the ranks, fast. Heading into 2024, she was sitting No. 3 on the U.S. Olympic marathon qualifying list.

So no, Betsy Saina won’t be lining up in Tokyo this year. But don’t be mistaken, she’s still racing. Just on a different course. A course filled with lullabies, big brother hugs, and baby kicks. She’s choosing love over laps, and peace over pressure, for now. And when she does return, the finish line better be ready because this mama’s got unfinished business, and a heart that runs deeper than ever.