Mums Who Run the World: How These Aussie Olympians Redefine Motherhood and Athletics
This week, three inspiring Australian mums were selected to be on the most competitive women’s marathon team in Australian History, and they aren’t just rewriting records; they’re rewriting perceptions of what’s possible.
If you’re anything like me, after having two kids in my thirties, I decided to reclaim some ‘me time’ and get fit. Although run clubs hadn’t exploded in popularity the way have now, the freedom of air pods and the open road called to me as I found my favourite new hobby.
Now imagine you’re Sinead Diver, who has just been selected on her second Olympic team at the age of 46. A mother of two, she embarked on her running journey in her thirties, not realising her spontaneous decision to join a friend in a fun run would unearth an Olympian. From recreational runner to national record holder, Sinead's ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Her unyielding dedication raising two children while balancing working in IT at NAB culminated in her setting the Australian record at the age of 45, a testament to the adage that age is but a number.mindset.
“It doesn’t bother me at all that I am age 46…. I am proud of being a mum and I am proud of my age… “- Sinead Diver
Jessica Stenson also redefined her limits to pursue her Olympic dreams with unwavering resolve after becoming a mum for the second time. Less than seven months postpartum, Jessica shattered expectations by not only achieving her personal best but also securing a highly sought after Olympic qualifying time in April. Balancing the demands of training and travel with the responsibilities of motherhood, she even factored feeding her daughter into her finish time.
Jess is a testament to the power of perspective. For her, motherhood has brough a mindset shift that has not only been instrumental to her training and bringing calm and fulfillment to her racing.“I do think there is somethig to be said for having your cup filled before you race… anything that happens here is a bonus because I am fulfilled anyway…versus looking for your running results to be the thing that brings you happiness”.
Genevieve Gregson's trajectory from leaving the track at the Tokyo Olympic in a wheelchair, to be one of the fastest qualifying athletes on the team is awe-inspiring. Following a near career-ending injury in the last 150m of her track race, Gen decided to embark on a new chapter of her athletic career – and life as a mother. Embracing marathon running as her second act, Gen explains how she discovered a newfound sense of balance and fulfillment.
“I have always wanted to be a mum… to have a kid and feel like that was an achievement… now I don’t have to feel like running is everything… I feel like I have become a better all-rounded person now… it has balanced me out and made me a better person”. - Genevieve Gregson
That improvement includes setting the third fastest Australian marathon time in just her second race, with her baby Archer at the finish line.
You don’t have to be an aspirational runner to appreciate these incredible women. Beyond their obvious athletic prowess, Sinead, Jess, and Gen epitomize the resilience and tenacity we all develop in motherhood. Their stories can inspire women of all ages (and hobbies), proving that with unwavering determination and a resilient spirit, anything is possible.
So, whether you're a seasoned athlete, occasional park-runner or busy enough navigating the intricacies of parenthood, these women remind us that- just like a marathon - with every stride we have the power to redefine our limits and rewrite our own records.
