Surviving Miscarriage Horrors, US Track & Field Athlete Picks Up Gold at Royal Inferno Festival

Quanera Hayes is a beast on the track! A 400-meter specialist often known for her explosive speed and steadfast resolve, Hayes has consistently dominated the competition. The World Indoor title holder has racked up accolades and personal bests throughout her career. However, her journey hasn’t been without hurdles. 

Hayes recently secured a Gold in the Women’s 400-meter track at the Royal City Inferno Track and Field Festival, a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level series that took place on June 4th, 2024, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. 

A fan tweet, celebrating Hayes’ endurance, revealed a previously undisclosed hardship she faced – a miscarriage during the 2022 indoor track season. The tweet stated, “After that 2021 season she had a miscarriage in 2022. Always cheering for Quanera Hayes to make another team and earn another global medal.” The tweet expressed appreciation for Hayes’ courage in discreetly enduring such a personal conflict while competing at the top level.

Hayes’ story, even before this revelation, has been of incredible resilience. This isn’t her first rodeo with motherhood. She previously balanced the pleasures and difficulties of parenthood in the 2021 Olympics Trial. Hayes clinched a victory with 49.78 seconds, her fastest time since 2017.

Her fellow runner, Allyson Felix, came second with 50.02 seconds, putting them in Team USA for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She took to social media with a picture of herself, Felix, and their kids, reminiscing about all the moments they shared. She even acknowledged how this would be Felix’s “last go but your first as a mom.”

Hayes has previously talked about her struggles, stating “Coming back was very tough.” She then says, “I had to learn how to run all over again. I couldn’t come out of blocks, my stride was different. I would do one run in practice and I would just stop because it would just hurt and I would get discouraged because I wasn’t hitting my times,” addressing how tough things were after the 2016 trials.

Quanera Hayes’ inspiring story continues

Despite continuously facing obstacles, Hayes’ athletic career doesn’t disappoint. During her participation in the 2023 World Relays, she played a crucial role in securing a win for Team USA in the 4x400m relay. Her teammate Gabby Thomas credits Hayes’ strong start stating her easy lead made Thomas’ job easier. 

The two-time World Athletics Relays winner has continued to stack up several accolades, showcasing that she remains a top contender in the world of track and field. Her dedication to the sport and ability to overcome challenges continues to inspire many. Quanera Hayes’ story goes beyond the track. She continues to defy expectations and rewrite narratives. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, one thing is certain: the world will be watching, eagerly awaiting what’s next to come on her remarkable journey.