Elle St. Pierre Sets US Olympic Trial Record 17 Months Postpartum

There’s no doubt that mothers are strong and their bodies capable of amazing feats (see childbirth), but Olympian Elle Purrier St. Pierre is taking things to the next level. Just 17 months postpartum and going through her first period since birth, St. Pierre sealed her ticket to Paris with the fastest 5K time by a US woman in Olympic trials yet.

“It’s hard. There are so many things women have to balance that men don’t,” the dairy farmer and mother to 1-year-old Ivan told Togethxr after clocking her 14 minutes 40.34 second time. “I’ll be honest. I just got my period back for the first time since I had a baby, and that was the week of the Olympic trials. Women are awesome”

St. Pierre is just one of many mothers fighting to continue their careers after growing their families and making their way to the Olympics stronger than ever. “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.”

This isn’t the first time St. Pierre has shown off her new mom prowess. Earlier this year, just two days shy of Ivan’s first birthday, the Vermont mom took home gold after breaking the American and championship record for a 3,000-meter run at the World Athletics Indoor Championships.

“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,” St. Pierre told New Balance while holding her World Championship trophy. “This one’s for the moms!”

We can’t wait to see what St. Pierre has in store for her Olympic run!