In the world of track and field, only a few names are bound to go down in history for something bigger than track itself. And one of those names is undoubtedly the seven-time Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix. She has been an ardent advocate for women’s health. When Allyson was in her 32nd week of pregnancy, she had developed pre-eclampsia. This is a condition that largely affects African-American women. That was the moment that created the podium of the cause she stands on today.

Allyson Felix’s initiative revolves around improving the health conditions of Black mothers. A cause that is as personal as it is political for her. Recently, Allyson got a boost that elevated her initiative. Melinda French Gates pledged $20 million towards Felix’s initiative. This funding came as a part of a broader $1 billion initiative aimed at uplifting marginalized communities by Gates. However, Allyson Felix is no longer the only one standing on the podium of women’s health. Another sprinter recently joined Allyson Felix, all the way from Kenya.

In the heart of the bustling city of Nairobi, a one-of-a-kind event unraveled that brought athleticism and awareness together. And Faith Kipyegon was there, and she had an emotional message to send out. After her gold rush season that included a gold at the Paris Olympics, Faith returned to her homeland recently. Instead of reveling in the glory of her gold, she decided to put her time into something more pressing.

Faith Kipyegon was recently seen at the Run for Her marathon in Ulinzi Stadium. The marathon is run yearly to raise awareness of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). PPH is a condition that tragically claims the lives of around 3,000 women each year in Kenya alone. Knowing the depths of motherhood, Faith went on to give an emotional message post-event.

Faith took it to X and wrote, “As a mother myself, my wish is for all women who dream of becoming mothers get live their dream of carrying a child, delivering safely, and most important live to see the child grow.” Faith Kipyegon’s tweet was a call for action. These are just words to Faith; it is coming from a lived experience and an understanding that having children should not be something that endangers one’s life.

Boundaries of border aside, both Allyson Felix and Faith Kipyegon are fighting for the betterment of women’s health. For both the stars, it seems like motherhood has brought in a whole new perspective and, more importantly, a renewed drive. The same was on display when, despite a long recovery due to her cesarean delivery, Faith returned to the track. And she had something bigger to prove this time!

Faith Kipyegon, “Becoming a Mother, You Can Be Stronger”!

Faith’s journey began, unlike most sprinters. She was a young girl running barefoot with the dreams of winning one day. And no doubt, she has persevered! Faith’s secret? Motherhood. She took an eighteen-month break due to complications in her pregnancy. However, in 2020, she returned to race at the Tokyo Olympics. And boy-oh-boy, was that a comeback!

Faith once said,

“I want to show the world that by also becoming a mother, you can be stronger.” And show she did. At the Tokyo Olympics, Faith went on to defend her title as the 1500 m champion! To top it all off, she did not just win. She broke a 33-year-old standing record, clocking 3:53.11. Now, that is a woman who had a lot to prove. And after her 2024 wins, it is safe to say it has been proven without an ounce of doubt!

2024 will be a chapter to remember in the books of Faith Kipyegon! At the Olympics, she won two Olympic golds and set the world record in 1500m, clocking 3:49.04. If that wasn’t enough, Faith also won the 2024 Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium, with yet again another record. She set a new meeting record, clocking 3:54.75. And last but not least, she ended the season by running for a league with a cause!

The last race of the season for Faith Kipyegon was the 2024 NYC Athlos meet. At the all-women meet, she yet again took the gold. Yet again, this showed the world that motherhood was the elixir that her speed on track needed.