Australian Marathon Champion Jessica Stenson Announces Pregnancy with Third Child
Australian marathon record-holder Jessica Stenson has made a heartwarming announcement, revealing she is pregnant with her third child. The 38-year-old athlete, who recently set a new national mark, shared the exciting news alongside her husband Dylan, with the baby due in early September.
Record-Breaking Achievement and Family Celebration
In December, Stenson achieved a remarkable feat at the Valencia Marathon, clocking a time of 2:21:25 to break the Australian record. She sliced nine seconds off the previous record held by her friend Sinead Diver, showcasing her elite endurance and skill. Following this high, Stenson and her family are now celebrating another milestone.
"Excitement levels are high in our household," Stenson wrote in a social media post, accompanied by footage of her son Billy and daughter Ellie joyfully reacting to the pregnancy news. She added, "(Ellie) and Billy both did a pretty good job of keeping it secret (I think)."
Support from Fellow Athlete Mums
The announcement has been met with enthusiastic support from the running community, particularly from fellow Australian marathon mums. Gen Gregson expressed her delight, saying, "Just the best best best. Can’t wait to watch this space. Love you guys." Eloise Wellings also chimed in, writing, "So beautiful you guys. So excited for you!!!"
Stenson's journey into motherhood began with the birth of Billy in 2019, shortly after she secured her second Commonwealth Games bronze medal. She later welcomed daughter Ellie in 2023, balancing her family life with a demanding athletic career.
Balancing Motherhood and Athletic Excellence
After missing the Tokyo Olympics due to injury, Stenson made a strong comeback, winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She took time off for Ellie's birth but returned to competition less than a year later, competing in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished an impressive 13th as the top Australian.
Her perseverance paid off when she claimed the national record in Valencia, less than 18 months after giving birth. Stenson now plans to take a break from competitive running, with an eye on returning in 2027 ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, demonstrating that age is no barrier in her sport.
Inspiring Era for Female Athletes
Reflecting on her career and the broader trends in athletics, Stenson highlighted an inspiring era for female runners. "It’s this amazing era where people are shattering barriers. You’re seeing people balancing motherhood with their best years of running and age is just a number," she said on the Run With It podcast last year.
She emphasized a positive mindset, stating, "If you can keep building the layers of training and stay healthy there’s no limits. I feel like every race I do this is just another bonus opportunity that I never thought I’d have and it is quite a freeing mentality ... I want to do this forever."
Emotional Connection with Sinead Diver
Stenson shared a touching moment from her record-breaking run, revealing she called Diver immediately after the race. "She called me right away and we just cried. She was so happy for me, and it was so nice to connect with her after the race," Stenson recounted.
She expressed gratitude for Diver's influence, noting that during the final kilometer in Valencia, she thought of her friend. "I’m so grateful for Sinead and that record she set. When there was one kilometre left, I was thinking of her and trying to squeeze as much as I could out of myself, knowing what was possible to achieve. I have the highest level of respect for her, so she was there with me in a positive way."
Stenson described the race as a magical experience, overcoming initial nerves to find her flow and achieve a personal best, marking a significant chapter in her storied career.
