The injury threat and the sense of not keeping well posed by the sports industry is likely one of its greatest enemies. More so when thousands of athletes eagerly anticipate the Olympics’ arrival after hours of training and years of waiting. Today as the 2024 Paris Games announce their nearing presence, it has been integral for athletes and governing bodies to tread a careful path. However, one of the US marathon stars, the inevitable awaited.

The US Olympic Marathon trials are all set to welcome some of its finest athletes on the 3rd of Feb. However, on the anticipated day, the 26.2-mile race will be missing one of its notable names, Susanna Sullivan; the London Marathon fame, and the 2022 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run winner due to unforeseen conditions.

Susanna’s quest for the “best” Marathon run delayed

The 33-year-old Susanna Sullivan has braved numerous marathon races to mark her presence. The latest one included the 2023 World Championship Marathon in Budapest, Hungary, where she placed 58th despite the unkind weather and a knee issue that sparked a spree of uncertainty. While Sullivan managed to train through it nonetheless, Citius Magazine announced that the 33-year-old tested positive for COVID. “Susanna Sullivan has unfortunately had to pull out of Saturday’s Marathon Trials,” the runner’s agent said. It further stated that “an untimely COVID positive Tuesday was the final straw” though Sullivan had held hopes.

Before her Budapest run in 2023, Susanna attained one of her biggest feats placing 10th with 2:24:27 during the London Marathon. The race alone was a testament to the 33-year-old’s excellence. “am confident the best is yet to come!” Sullivan had written following her Budapest run. Though the stance may not present immediacy on Marathon grounds, the star will remain irreplaceable; backed by her journey and juggling.

Susanna Sullivan fits the pieces together

The passion for marathon races has long been instilled in the 33-year-old, or rather specifically since her college days. Susanna Sullivan graduated in 2012, keeping her practice throughout. However, she wasn’t satisfied with her performance due to the hindrance her injuries caused. While the frustration announced its presence, one of the university’s first sub-4:00 milers reminded Sullivan that the sport had more for her. “I’ve always remembered that,” she told Runners World. “I still had a lot of goals I wanted to accomplish.”

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Years later, the 33-year-old stands with numerous accolades to her name all whilst being an elementary math teacher. “I sit down and figure out the how pieces are going to fit together,” she says on juggling two of her careers. “I try to be consistent,” are her words as she calculates her marathon sessions, 40-hours work week, and well-being.

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