Who Is Elle St. Pierre, American Mother Who Won World Indoor Championships?

Back in 2022, US Olympian and track and field legend penned, “We are expecting a baby in early March, and we couldn’t be more thankful for this blessing! It’s everything we’ve ever wanted”. Alongside this ecstatic news, she posted a couple of pictures of her pregnant belly on her Instagram account. Soon after giving birth to the most special gift she has ever had, St. Elle Pierre took a short break from her track and field career.

However, this is not something she has been vying for. Instead, Purrier was preparing for something big. Eventually, she kept on accomplishing impressive feats soon after coming back on track. On March 2, that reached its ultimate with her win at the World Indoor Championships. 

A year into motherhood, Pierre secured ‘biggest’ career win

On race day at the World Indoor Championships, Pierre completed 364 days of motherhood. As she secured victory, World Athletics took to its X handle to mark the moment. They penned, “Elle St.Pierre is the 3000m world champ ‼️ 364 days after becoming a mom, she grabs the biggest win of her career 🥹”

Elle kicked off the two-time world Champion Gudaf Tsegay to secure first place. By securing the new American Record with 8:20:87 at 3000m, Elle displayed that she is unstoppable. The champ could not hide her elation after the win, taking her son on her lap, since it came just two days before her son’s first birthday. Her staunch performance is not a one-off incident. It is built on a long-standing story of resilience and grit. One moment that marked it was when she returned to the tracks just six months after giving birth to her son, Ivan.

Coming back stronger after embracing motherhood

Pierre took part in the NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile on that occasion. She clinched the seventh position in the event by securing 4:23:3 as she baby-cheered her at the finish line alongside her husband, Jaime. In the exclusive interview with Running magazine, Purrier St. Pierre said, “I am thankful to the women before me who have paved the way,” 

She added, “Female athletes can start a family and take the time they need away from athletics. Just because I had a kid, it does not mean I have to end my career.” While saying this, she had also cited examples in track and field where athletes have excelled post-motherhood.

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“Faith Kipyegon is someone I look up to…It’s inspiring to see what she’s done after becoming a mother,” said Purrier St. Pierre whose talent started showing up right from the collegiate days. She has been an NCAA champion in the women’s mile at the University of New Hampshire. With all these lineups of accolades, boosted by her recent win, Pierre is surely looking forward to be a part of the US Olympic team furthering her revered career.