Olympic runner Elle Purrier St. Pierre is opening up about her role as both a mother and a runner, saying that she finds inspiration from other athletes who are also moms.
Purrier St. Pierre, who also works as a dairy farmer in Vermont, recently qualified for the Olympics, running the fastest 5K time for a woman in the United States, just 17 months after giving birth to her son, Ivan. “It’s hard. There are so many things women have to balance that men don’t,” she explained after the qualifying run. “Women are awesome.”
Earlier this year, just two days after Ivan’s first birthday, she won gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, breaking the American and championship record for a 3,000-meter run. “Seeing Ivan after a race is the most rewarding feeling. He’s been there every step of the way with me since he was born,” she told New Balance following the event.
Holding up her trophy, she added, “This one’s for the moms!”
View this post on Instagram
Purrier St. Pierre says she gets much of her inspiration from other athletes who are also navigating motherhood and their careers.
“I think we all kind of build off each other. There’s a big mom community, and everyone is rooting for each other,” she said. “I think seeing other moms accomplish big things inspires me, motivates me and gives me confidence that I can accomplish big things. It’s pretty awesome to have other people cheering for you. I see so many other moms, and it’s so special.”
In an interview with Harpers Bazaar, she said she is incredibly happy with her life as both a runner and a mother. “I feel like everything I do in my life right now is something that I really enjoy,” she explained. “I love being a mom, I love being a runner, and I love being a farmer.”
She also said that her son motivates her to do her best.
“But also now that I’m a mom, I run a lot for Ivan and I can’t wait to someday be able to show him pictures of when he was traveling with me in my belly. My little racer.”
