This athlete became a mom in college and has always lived her dreams of competing in the Olympic trials

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Student athlete Mikaila Martin became a mom at the age of 21, but that didn’t stop her from living her dreams as a varsity athletics star. It became his motivation.

Martin, who is now a 24-year-old graduate student, competed in the Olympic track and field trials in the United States. The event took place Thursday in Eugene, Oregon. Among her team of supporters was her 3-year-old daughter, Camryn, who cheered her on to the finish line.

“There were times when I thought I wasn’t going to make it,” Martin shared in a video uploaded by KPRC 2Vanessa Richardson’s sports reporter. “Who can juggle a child, a track and school at the same time? But I think I made it work pretty well. I want to be an example for my child in the future. I want her to see that even though I was pregnant, I still did. ‘

How this student and this mom became top athletes

Martin was enjoying an exceptional athletic season at the University of Houston when she found out she was pregnant. She initially thought her pregnancy meant the end of her college career. However, watching tennis star Serena Williams chase her dreams after having a baby has kept her going.

“I was a junior in college when I gave birth and was on a track and field scholarship,” Martin explained with Hello america. “Part of me was worried about it. “

At 21, Martin interrupted his athletic career to take care of his child. But after a season away from the game, she was ready to return to the pitch and dominate. With the help of his family and coaches, Martin was able to attend school, undergo track training and work. While the pandemic posed a greater challenge, Martin still managed to be productive.

“I would find a park nearby and let her play, then put her in the wagon while I worked out,” said Martin. “During the pandemic it was really, really a struggle. “

Martin’s created a paper schedule that allowed him to plan his time and maximize different aspects of his life. She wakes up at 6 a.m., takes her daughter to camp, and then conquers a full day of athletics and school. Although Martin’s schedule is very demanding, his hard work has paid off.

Earlier this month, Martin finished 12th in hammer throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. It was his ticket to participate in the US Olympic trials. She became the first University of Houston woman to win All-American honors in the hammer throw, according to Hello america.

Future plans

Martin is on track to graduate in May 2022. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in Human Resources. After graduation, she plans to go pro. One of the best parts of Martin’s journey is that she doesn’t have to cross the finish line on her own.

Will Blackburn is Associate Head Coach for the Cougar Track and Field Program at the University of Houston. He has supported Martin’s work since she entered academia.

“When we found out that she was pregnant, on our side, nothing changed” Hello america reported. “We thought, ‘Let’s go, let’s go to your goals and your aspirations.’ “

“At first I thought I wasn’t the same athlete I was before,” says Martin. “But I learned to work with my body. Once I did that, that’s when things started to come in. And you’re really more focused as a mom. Before Camryn I was so nervous in track and field competitions. I would shake. Now I’m so in the zone and focused and never felt that way.

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