Dawn Harper-Nelson Returns to the Track After Giving Birth

By Adam Kopet

Dawn Harper-Nelson retired from track and field in 2018, intent on starting a family. She has done that, giving birth to a daughter, Harper Nelson, in April. This week she announced she is planning a return to the track to try and make Team USA for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Harper didn’t mean the end she meant the beginning... Dreams wait for no one and this one has an expectation date so from this moment forward every second counts... Are you with us?! @usatf @NBCOlympics @iaaforg @TeamUSA @spikesmag @FloTrack @NBCOlympicTalk @WomensHealthMag pic.twitter.com/2vtsl7q5vH

— Dawn Harper-Nelson OLY (@DHarp100mH) November 4, 2019

Harper-Nelson, 35, won gold in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympics. She followed that with a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. She also captured a silver medal at the 2017 IAAF World Outdoor Championships and a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships. Harper-Nelson owns a personal best of 12.37 from 2012.

She will be 36 by the U.S. Olympic Trials in June next year.