Faith Kipyegon reveals how motherhood revolutionized her running career

"Motherhood has put me in another level. I think I have been strong-minded since I gave birth to my daughter Alyn."

Those were the words double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon used to describe her athletics career since giving birth to her daughter in June 2018.

Speaking to World Athletics, Kipyegon noted that her daughter is now her new inspiration as she seeks to shatter more world records and even inspire budding athletes.

"I think I am flying when I see her. I run really fast because I know I'm motivating the young generation," she stated.

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 355 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot

Challenges she encountered after giving birth

After giving birth, everything was not all flowery to the star athlete. Kipyegon narrated that she was at some point worried whether motherhood would slow her down or end her career.

She gained over 10 kilograms after giving birth which forced her to go back to intense training to regain her running shape. With the help of fellow athletes, Kipyegon managed to shed the kilos and was back on the track.

ALSO READ: Shock as Austin Odhiambo misses out from Harambee Stars provisional squad for Malawi tourney

“It was not easy when you are used to 44kg and then after maternity leave, you are like 63kg and you have to reduce and come back to running," she stated.

“It makes you have two different thoughts like am I coming back strong or this is the end of my career? But for me, I took it positively and just trained and just worked hard because my team was really believing in me that I would be back stronger,” Kipyegon added.

However, the thought of motherhood gave her enough impetus to return on the track rejuvenated and ready to break world records.

ALSO READ: Record-breaking Ivorian sprinter joins Omanyala’s training camp ahead of Paris Olympics

Lessons she is giving her daughter

Being in the limelight, Kipyegon noted that she strives to equip her daughter with relevant knowledge. Kipyegon insisted that she wants her daughter to always view her as a professional and pick a few lessons in her personal life.

Although she did not confirm training her daughter in athletics, Kipyegon disclosed that Alyn has started showing her passion for running.

“She is still young but she likes running around the house and when I’m doing some photoshoots, she likes joining me and enjoying herself,” Kipyegon noted.

ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent