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Aleen Bailey-Taylor expecting first child
October 15, 2024
Retired Olympic gold medallist Aleen Bailey-Taylor is off the track, but she has another race ahead of her as a mother.
The 43-year-old, who went into coaching after retiring, is expecting her first child with husband Joseph Taylor, and thus far she is enjoying pregnancy.
"It's been amazing so far. It is my first child," she told STAR Sports in an interview via Instagram.
"I took a break from coaching, but I still exercise to maintain fitness because baby weight is different from competition weight; carrying a tiny human around a 'nuff' work. I'm enjoying the process," the former sprinter said.
Bailey-Taylor had quite a career as a national athlete as she helped carry home the gold medal in the 4x100 metres relay at Athens Olympics in 2004. In the same event at the World Championships, she secured the gold, silver and bronze at the 2009, 2005 and 1999 Championships, respectively.
This busy career would have had an impact on her venturing into motherhood, but she is making the necessary preparations.
"I am excited about meeting her and getting that feeling of unconditional love everyone is telling me about. I'm older and considered high-risk risk so sometimes I worry that I'm not eating enough, sleeping enough, and exercising enough, but my doctor always put my mind at ease," she said.
She said the support from family and friends is also making the journey easier.
"The support has been amazing, I'm loving all the extra love and attention because my hormones are all over the place. It's been great having feedback and how to cope with the changes from my friends and family who have been through this process," Bailey-Taylor said.
Bailey-Taylor, who got married in November of last year, said if her baby girl decides to venture after the career path of her mom, she would be giving full support.
"I think she's going to be proud of me and tell all her friends about her mommy," she admitted.
"I would (want her to do athletics) but I also want her to try other things and find her path and if not track, her dad, myself and her community of loved ones will support her."
