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Six months postpartum, Jessica Stenson smashed her marathon personal best and qualified for Paris 2024,defying norms around motherhood and athleticism.
When Australia's long-distance runner Jessica Stenson crossed the finish line at the Daegu Marathon in South Korea, she did not just beat the clock with a time of 2:23:59; she also shattered personal barriers and societal expectations, proving that motherhood and elite sports can go hand in hand.
Just six months after giving birth to her second child, Stenson obliterated her personal best, firmly securing her spot as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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06:30 - 08.04.2024
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The Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist, who became a mother for the second time on September 14, surpassed the Olympic entry standard of 2:26:50 and broke her previous personal record of 2:25:15.
Speaking from South Korea, Stenson shared her mental strategy during the challenging moments of the race.
"During the race, when it was starting to get a bit tough, I thought back to the day that Ellie [her second child] was born, and then sort of went through the months that have followed and how, fortunately, it has just clicked," she said as per Wide World of Sports.
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13:04 - 08.04.2024
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The meticulous planning and attention to recovery were crucial elements of Stenson's comeback.
Regular check-ins with her coach, Adam Didyk, ensured a smooth transition back into intense training.
"I really didn't know when I was pregnant and gearing up to give birth whether I'd be in a position to get back into training when I did, and every step of the way things all had to line up," Stenson added.
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11:33 - 08.04.2024
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Stenson's achievement is not just a personal victory but a beacon of inspiration for female athletes worldwide, especially mothers striving to return to their sport post-pregnancy.
However, Stenson's road to Paris is not without its challenges.
With Australia allowed to take only three marathon women to the Paris Games, the competition is fierce among the qualifiers, which include Sinead Diver, Genevieve Gregson, Lisa Weightman, Izzi Batt-Doyle, and Eloise Wellings.
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05:00 - 08.04.2024
Paris Marathon: Bumper harvest for Kenyans Titus Kipruto, Elisha Rotich & Vivian Cheruiyot despite missing to prize
Kenyan runners Titus Kipruto, Elisha Rotich and Vivian Cheruiyot will cash in big after their podium finishes at the Paris Marathon on Sunday.
This selection dilemma underscores the depth of talent in Australian women's marathon running but also the tough choices that lie ahead for Athletics Australia selectors.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.
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