Kenyan long-distance runner Betsy Saina has announced her joyful pregnancy news, stating that she will skip the Tokyo 2025 World Championships to focus on her health and upcoming motherhood.
Moreover, Saina expressed her excitement and gratitude as she embraced this new chapter in her life. In a heartfelt message posted on her social media accounts, Saina wrote,
“I am incredibly happy to share that I am expecting a baby. This blessing fills me with joy, and I look forward to the journey ahead,” Wrote Saina.
“Although I will miss competing at the Tokyo World Championships, I must prioritise my well-being and that of my baby,” she added.
Betsy Saina, 33, has built a remarkable career as one of Kenya’s top long-distance runners. She has earned respect and admiration worldwide for her strong performances in marathons and track events.
Betsy Saina in a Past Event
Throughout her career, Betsy Saina has demonstrated resilience, determination, and passion for running. She has represented Kenya in numerous international competitions and inspired many young athletes. While she will not compete in Tokyo next year, she assured her supporters that she plans to return to the sport after her maternity break.
Her decision to pause her athletic career highlights the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal life. In addition, Saina’s openness about her pregnancy encourages other athletes to prioritise their health and family without fear of losing their place in competitive sports.
However, the athletics community eagerly awaits Betsy Saina’s return, confident that she will continue to shine on and off the track.
Who is Betsy Saina?
Betsy Saina is a Kenyan-American long-distance runner renowned for her outstanding achievements on track and road.
Saina won the 2012 NCAA Cross Country Championship and claimed NCAA titles in the 5,000m and 10,000m events while at Iowa State University. In 2016, Betsy Saina represented Kenya at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing fifth in the 10,000 meters.
Kenyan Runner Daniel Kinyanjui Banned for Five Years Over Doping
After transitioning to marathons, she won the 2018 Paris Marathon with a time of 2:22:56 and recorded the third-fastest marathon time in American history—2:21:40—at the 2022 Chicago Marathon.
She also earned podium finishes at the Tokyo and New York City Marathons, establishing herself as a top global marathoner.
