Road to Paris 2024: 40-Year-Old Olympian Overcomes COVID and Years of Abuse, Sets Eyes on Podium Spot

In a narrative that embodies resilience and determination, a 40-year-old Olympian emerges as a beacon of hope as she navigates the challenging road to the Paris Olympics in 2024. Battling against innumerable odds, including the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the scars of past se**al abuse from her ex-coach Gustafsson, she stands high, setting her sights firmly on securing a podium spot in her upcoming endeavor.

However, now, as a seasoned athlete, the champion has been locked in a persistent struggle with the USA Race Walk Executive Committee and U.S. track and field. She argues that the committee’s structure, which allows athletes and coaches to participate in the selection process, presents a significant conflict of interest. Despite her efforts to bring attention to this issue, she feels that her concerns have largely fallen on deaf ears within the USATF, though with some glimmer of hope. In other news, optimism is her biggest ally ahead of Paris in 2024.

Robyn Stevens is an inexorable juggernaut despite legal manacles  

Robyn Stevens’ journey to the Paris Olympics has been fraught with obstacles. Despite facing legal challenges and being denied rights to various events, she remains determined to pursue athletic excellence. “They are permitting it to occur by giving the Race Walk Executive Committee all the power for team selection decisions,“ Stevens said in a statement published by the Daily Republic. She also revealed that Race Walking adds mixed relays to the Olympic calendar. This featured male and female teams competing 26.2 miles in four legs at Eiffel Tower footfall on August 7.

Competing in Santee, Stevens expressed confidence in winning the fastest aggregate with a healthy performance. She also showed gratitude to her coach, Jacinto Garzon, whose focus is always on athletes’ health and well-being. “I’d be happy to stand on the podium“- she bemoans with pride and gusto to represent the US team. Also, she is looking forward to the year’s unfolding. Despite setbacks, including ailing Achilles tendons and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Stevens showcased her conviction. She has achieved a personal best in the 20k at the 2019 National Championships. She even expressed a sense of regaining her body after the COVID pandemic, despite the appropriate fitness ramp up she experienced. However, now her eyes are on the Paris Olympics in 2024.

What’s in the offing for the phenom?

“My body is coming back’– she muses, indicating her being kept in good stead physically ahead of the Olympics. Also, her upcoming schedule is packed with rigorous training and competitions, culminating in the Olympic Trials in Eugene. With her sights set on multiple events, including the 20K race, Stevens remains optimistic about her prospects.

Read More: Team USA Announces Women’s Track and Field Team for the Tokyo Olympics

Also, as a 40-year-old athlete, Stevens refuses to set a definitive retirement date. Even after considering her options post-Covid, she now aspires to compete in Tokyo in 2025 and potentially join a worldwide master schedule. However, for now, her complete focus and only goal is to achieve victory in the Paris Olympics in 2024.

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