Distance running is one of the trickiest disciplines in the track and field world, as it requires some incredible stamina to make a name for yourself. But there have been several individuals who left a lasting impression on history for their sheer strength and resilience. One such distance runner from the United States has broken into the headlines for a similar athletic display and has left everyone flabbergasted.

The runner was making a return to her athletic endeavors a year after giving birth to a daughter, and not only that, she finished an exhausting 10,000-meter run, but also clocked a personal best in it. Following her remarkable performance, the runner divulged some insights into her potency and unveiled that it’s her daughter who is the reason behind her unparalleled strength. Her remarks have captivated every track and field enthusiast, setting an example of how a mother can push past any limit with her family by her side.

The cut of this resilient mother’s jib is one to write home about

Rachel Smith, who hails from Maine, United States, took the track and field world by storm after she clocked an impressive time of 31:04.02 in the women’s Paris 10000m event in Sound Running The Ten 2024 on Saturday. Post-race, Smith stood for a quick trackside interview with Citius Mag and stated, “So many other professional runner moms have been such sources of inspiration, and I really agree with everyone that you’re not the same runner, your body is not the same, but there’s really something to mom strength.” After clocking her personal best, the Sanford native also added that she was hopeful of hitting the 30–40, of which she wasn’t so sure before the race.

However, the former could not finish in the top three and had to settle for fifth place behind Tsigie Gebreselama, who claimed the number one spot with 29:48.34; Weini Kelati finished second with 30:33.82; Lauren Ryan (30:35.66); and Megan Keith (30:36.84) finished third and fourth, respectively. Her performance was commendable in her return, and her past achievements attest to her talent and prowess in the track and field realm.

Her mom energy exudes glimmeringly on the track

The 32-year-old athlete has a decorated athletic career as she has achieved some si3gnificant milestones. Smith is a two-time NACAC champion and a two-time national champion. During the 2018 Athletics World Cup, the runner finished second after running 1500 meters in 4:08.04; she achieved the same result at the match Europe vs. USA with a 9:00.77 finish to a 3000-meter run.

She has also competed in the women’s 5000 meters at the 2019 Doha World Athletics Championships, but the runner-up could not make it to the finals. In 2021, Smith was crowned the USATF road mile champion, and the sprinter had also secured spots in the Olympics during the 2020 US Olympic Trials and qualified for the 2020 Olympics.

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