Rio Hopeful Is Competing in Olympic Trials Just Four Months After Giving Birth

When Sarah Brown was training for the Olympics, she did not think she would have to plan her training schedule around her pregnancy.

Brown surprisingly learned that she was expecting a little girl last fall, regardless of using a copper IUD.

“‘Why would one of America’s top 1500m runners decide to have a baby leading into arguably the biggest year in a track athlete’s career, an Olympic year?’ Well, the answer is actually quite simple. I didn’t,” Brown shared on her personal blog.

The surprise pregnancy did not stop Brown from her Olympic training, it simply motivated her to train harder. She gave constant training updates on her blog and on social media, updating everyone on her progress. Brown, who had her training monitored by a doctor, only stopped training for the games one week before her baby was born.

8 miles on one of my favorite trails #stoneycreek #railtrail Top courtesy of @newbalance men’s collection ?? #wideload

A photo posted by Sarah Brown (@sarahmb15) on Dec 19, 2015 at 7:58am PST

“Just like in my pregnancy, when I couldn’t do something, we had to readjust the plan,” she told People.

Brown gave birth to “tough little lady” Abigail Ann Brown on March 4 and is now busy adjusting to her new life as a mother and an Olympic hopeful. She is currently living with her husband and coach, Darren Brown, in her parents’ basement taking advantage of the extra help while training is at an all-time high.

“My quest to continue training for the Olympic Trials will never compare to the continuous quest I will be on to be the best mother for you,” she wrote on her blog. 

#Mommyintraining – double meaning intended ☺️ #newmom #babygirl #trio2rio #trainingpartner

A photo posted by Sarah Brown (@sarahmb15) on Apr 15, 2016 at 9:44am PDT

Brown will compete in the first round of the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in the 1500m race on July 7, just four months after giving birth.

See more about Brown and her Olympic journey below.

"Run Mama Run" follows Sarah Brown as she trains for the Olympic trials … and balances her pregnancy.

Episode 1: https://t.co/avPTEVW8pE

— ESPN (@espn) July 7, 2016