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S. GitahiSaina pumped as she chases dream to represent US in Paris Olympic Games
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 25.01.24. | 14:21
She has previously represented Kenya in the Olympics, placing fifth in the 10,000 meters race in a time of 30:07.78 in Rio de Janeiro 2016
Marathoner Betsy Saina says she is super excited going into the US Olympic Trials in Orlando on 3 February even as she steps up her training for what could potentially be the best moment in her athletics career.
Done with good track session. Now time to enjoy my taper and maintain what I have invested for the past three months. Best build up to finish healthy and ready to go. See you Orlando. pic.twitter.com/hThW5chrRI
— Betsy Saina Official (@betsy_saina) January 24, 2024
The 35-year-old Kenyan turned US citizen, is among the athletes selected to participate in the Summer Games trials, which will give the top three finishers a chance to represent Team USA in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Her selection came as a result of a 2:26:47 finish and win in last year’s Sydney Marathon, months after she had clocked a new personal best of 2:21:40 with her fifth-place finish at the Tokyo Marathon.
Betsy Saina wins the Sydney Marathon in 2:26:46!!! (Time is unofficial.)
— Fast Women (@fast_women) September 16, 2023
She went through halfway in 1:14:22 and ran the second half in 1:12:24. She'll be one to watch at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February. pic.twitter.com/aslA32rOqO
That performance saw her become the fastest American woman marathoner in 2023, and made her the eighth-fastest U.S. female marathoner of all time, solidifying her position as a top U.S. Olympic marathon team contender.
“I feel super excited since my training has been solid and gone on without any injuries. Really amazing,” Saina told Mezzo Management Group in her training base in Iten, Kenya.
Saina, though a naturalized U.S. citizen since late 2020 and a Colorado resident, has her training base in Kenya, as she bids to stay close to her training group featuring Joyciline Jepkosgei, and her family as she continues to provide childcare support to her two-year-old son, Kalya.
“Being a mom and being close to where you get that family support is really amazing,” Saina said. “They give that motivation to train and build a strong person and character because you know there is someone you’re doing it for.”
On a chance to represent the US in the Olympics - something she has been vocal about as it offers her the opportunity to ‘run for the whole family’ - she said: “I can’t wait. This is a big thing for me because the Olympics come once in four years and so there is always that pressure to make it.
“On the flip side, you miss a chance and remain unsure of whether you will make it the next time.”
Saina has previously represented Kenya in the Olympics, placing fifth in the 10,000 meters race in a time of 30:07.78 in Rio de Janeiro 2016.
