8-Months Pregnant Woman Runs 800 Meters At Nationals And Destroys The Delicate Flower Myth

Alysia Montano is nearly eight months pregnant. She also just ran the 800 meters in the U.S. track and field championships. She finished in two minutes, 32.13 seconds – 35 seconds slower than her personal best, which she ran while totally not pregnant in Monaco in 2010. She’s officially obliterated the myth that pregnant women are fragile beings who cannot handle physical activity. I’m impressed.

“I’ve been running throughout my pregnancy and I felt really, really good during the whole process,” Montano said after the qualifying heat.

The 28-year-old former track star finished last in her heat, but according to ESPN, nobody cared. The crowd was reportedly cheering her on and gave her a “rousing ovation” when she finished the race.

I love this. I love the support of the crowd. I love that Montano consulted with her doctor and made the right decision for her, knowing that there would probably inevitably be some backlash for this. ESPN reports that not only did her doctors give her the okay to run, they encouraged her.

There is no one-size-fits-all pregnancy – and pregnancy isn’t a sickness. If you are having a healthy pregnancy and are fit to begin with – this proves that you have endless options when it comes to choosing what you can and cannot physically tackle. What an awesome moment that must have been when she crossed the finish line to the cheers of the crowd. Thanks a lot for proving that we actually can lift the groceries, mop the floors, and get to the gym, Montano. Whose side are you on anyway?

(photo: Getty Images)