Betsy Saina: Kenyan-American Marathoner Mastery Sparks Excitement for US Olympic Trials

Since the last Olympics, significant changes have unfolded in the life of Betsy Saina.

Having achieved her dream of U.S. citizenship, she now has the privilege of representing the United States and hoisting the Star-Spangled Banner. Originally from Kenya, she stands as a strong contender for a spot on the American Olympic Team for Paris 2024, with her sights set on excelling at the 2024 U.S. Marathon Trials. A pivotal moment for Saina transpired at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon. Not only did she break the record for the fastest marathon time by an American female that year, but she also surpassed her personal best, finishing the race in an impressive 2:21:20.

Having proudly represented Kenya in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where she impressively attained fifth place in the 10,000m event, she now eagerly looks forward to participating in the upcoming Olympic Games as a representative of the United States. Saina took to the starting line at the Orlando Trials on Saturday, February 3, seeking an opportunity to clinch a spot on the US team for Paris 2024.

Saina marked several significant milestones in 2021. In February, she obtained U.S. citizenship, fulfilling an application submitted in late 2019. The pinnacle of her year came in December when she welcomed her son, Kalya, into the world. Following Kalya’s birth, Saina returned to Kenya, joining forces with her childhood friend and 2019 New York Marathon champion, Joyciline Jepkosgei. Both received coaching from Nicholas Joech, Jepkosgei’s husband.

Gradually increasing her training mileage, Saina reached a weekly total of 120 miles and made a triumphant return to racing at the Tokyo Marathon, surpassing her personal best by an impressive 57 seconds. In January 2009, Saina embarked on her inaugural journey to the United States, becoming a member of the track and field team at Iowa State University. This transition, though challenging, saw Saina quickly adapt and achieve notable success. Honored as the 2009 Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field Freshman of the Year, she went on to earn her first of eleven All-American distinctions in her sophomore year.