Kenyan-born USA marathoner Betsy Saina announces new bundle of joy
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 12.06.25. | 15:12
Saina, who shared the news on her Instagram, expressed excitement about promoting her son Kalya to the big brother role, describing the pregnancy as a “little gift” on the way
Kenyan-born US marathoner Betsy Saina has announced that she is expecting her second child in September.
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This development will see her pass on her spot on Team USA for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
Saina, who shared the news on her Instagram, expressed excitement about promoting her son Kalya to the big brother role, describing the pregnancy as a “little gift” on the way.
Although she feels physically strong and eager to return to the road, Saina said she is prioritising her growing family.
“Super excited to promote Kalya to be the big brother in September. I haven’t been in the streets lately, but my family and I are excited to have our little gift on its way.
The body is strong now and ready to be on the road, but that being said, I am more excited to have the little one join us and get back ASAP.
Passing the World Championships to someone else but I have unfinished business, I would love to wish our Team USA all the best at the World Championships in Tokyo, can’t wait to be back and giving it a try to make (the) next team and off course chasing that Olympic team in LA, I know it’s everyone dream but will do all I can to be ready,” she shared.
With her withdrawal from Team USA, it is likely that Jess McClain, the next athlete in line on the Road to Tokyo rankings, will fill her spot.
For McClain, this would mark a major opportunity to represent the US on the global stage after narrowly missing out on the team last year, where she placed fourth at both the US Olympic Marathon Trials and the US Olympic Track Trials in the 10,000m.
Saina’s absence is significant, considering she was among the favourites to secure a spot on the US Olympic team for Paris 2024 during the marathon trials.
Her performance at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon solidified her elite status when she clocked a personal best of 2:21:20, making it the fastest marathon by an American woman that year.
The 35-year-old has had a remarkable journey. She represented Kenya at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, finishing fifth in the 10,000m.
After relocating to the US and applying for citizenship in 2019, she was officially granted it in February 2021.
Later that year, she welcomed her first child, Kalya, and briefly moved back to Kenya to train alongside childhood friend and 2019 New York Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei.
As she awaits the arrival of her second child, the question remains whether Saina will once again return to Kenya to train post-pregnancy.
In the meantime, she has expressed gratitude to her sponsors and management for their continued support.
“Lastly, a big thank you to my sponsors and my amazing management for the support, as always. For me to get back quickly, the support was immense,” she concluded.
