Betsy Saina Eager to Represent Team USA at Paris Olympics

Betsy Saina says that she is representing her entire family by running for the United States.

After her appearance in the 2016 Rio Olympics as a representative of Kenya in the 10,000m race, Saina made the decision to switch her allegiance and now competes for the United States. In preparation for her first Olympic trials with Team USA in Orlando, Florida, Saina reflects on the significance of wearing the American colors at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Saina's journey to the US began when she enrolled at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where she pursued a degree focused on nursing in agriculture and life sciences.

Saina divides her time between the United States and Kenya, but her main focus is on training in her home country. Working closely with her friend Joyciline Jepkosgei, they tirelessly prepare for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Saina finds solace in the fact that she no longer has to compete against her fellow Kenyan runners for a spot on the team, which has brought a newfound sense of delight to their shared training sessions. Unlike many athletes, Saina sees Jepkosgei as a partner rather than a rival, resulting in effortless and harmonious workouts.

“But for Joyciline, she really wants me, you know, to be on the same calibre with her, especially knowing that she's not in the same team with me. I love training with her. And when I come back from the Trials, I'll be able to keep training with her, whatever happens,” says the Sydney Marathon champion.

In 2023, Saina displayed her competitive spirit and emerged victorious in the women's category of the Sydney Marathon. Despite facing tough competition from Rahma Tusa of Ethiopia, Saina's strategic approach allowed her to secure the title with a timing of 2:26:47, a mere six seconds ahead of Tusa. Gladys Chesir secured the third position with a timing of 2:28:41.