Following birth of daughter Avianna in February, Jamaican sprint legend won’t compete this fall at IAAF World Championships, but is still considering a potential run at a sixth Olympics next year in Tokyo

By Todd Grasley for DyeStat

Veronica Campbell-Brown is one of the most decorated female athletes in track and field history.

The Jamaican sprinter is an eight-time Olympic medalist, which includes a combined three golds from the 2004 Games in Athens and 2008 Games in Beijing. She raced only once in 2018, competing in a 100-meter dash in June in France, but took the rest of the year off because of her pregnancy.

Campbell-Brown and her husband Omar welcomed the most precious gift into their lives Feb. 23, daughter Avianna.

“The arrival of Avianna changed my world, but in a good way,” Campbell-Brown said. “Regardless of all the adjustments, altered sleep cycles, and change of schedule, I would not trade motherhood for the world.”

Being a mother has shown the iconic sprinter just how strong she is, not just physically, but mentally as well. It’s a journey she’s enjoying every moment of and gives her immense pleasure to care for, nurture, and interact with her newborn daughter.

“It warms my heart to see her smile, play, laugh and thrive,” Campbell-Brown said. “Motherhood is such an extraordinary duty.”

Not only did she get to spend her first Mother’s Day with Avianna, but she also enjoyed the special moment with her mom as well.

With a newborn baby consuming most of her time, it’s just a matter of time before Campbell-Brown is back to sprinting, even if it’s just around the house to wrangle the youngster from getting into anything and everything. It’s just what babies do.

“At the pace she is going, it seems she will be walking soon,” Campbell-Brown said. “It may be a good idea to get her a pair of running shoes.”

Track and field future

When she announced she was having a baby, Campbell-Brown noted that she wanted to be a mom first and would examine her track and field career as time went on.

Fellow Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had a baby two years ago – her son Zyon celebrated his second birthday Wednesday – and is back to her form as one of the best sprinters in the world, producing four of the top six 100-meter times globally this year, including an exceptional showdown June 21 at the Jamaican Championships with Elaine Thompson, who prevailed by a 10.726 to 10.729 margin.

So, does Campbell-Brown have the urge to get back and start competing again?

“Having been away from the track for over a year, I am curious to know how my body will react post-pregnancy,” she said. "I am certain Avianna would enjoy watching me compete if I decide to return to the track.”

After racing at an elite level for two decades and competing in an amazing five Olympic Games, is one final hurrah in Tokyo next year on her mind?

At age 37, Campbell-Brown is currently working on rebuilding her core and regaining fitness. She is contemplating returning to full training, with the hopes of making the Jamaican team for the 2020 Olympic Games.

“I am giving myself time to decide if I will embark on said journey,” she said. “I feel no pressure to return to the track, but I am curious as to what my body can do after going through the life-changing process of bringing a human into the world.”

The Next Wave of Jamaican Sprinters

Campbell-Brown has also left a legacy at the IAAF World Championships, tallying three golds and 11 overall medals dating to 2005. Although she won’t be in Doha this fall, she will be watching and has very high expectations for this year’s team.

“The women are performing well and I expect the men to improve,” Campbell-Brown said. “Jamaica will be represented well by its athletes and the results should be great. I am also hoping the excellent performances will spill over to Tokyo in 2020.”

At only 18, Campbell-Brown earned her first Olympic medal, securing silver as a member of the 4x100-meter relay at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Jamaican phenom Briana Williams could also make her Olympic debut next year at the age of 18. Campbell-Brown is happy for her success. The two had the chance to meet a few years back and notes that Williams is the future of the sport.

“To run 10.94 as a 17-year old tells me that she has the ability to continue Jamaica’s sprint legacy,” Campbell-Brown said. “My advice to her is to stay mentally strong and thankful to God for her gift of speed as she evolves in her athletics journey. Briana, no pressure here, take it step by step, and enjoy the journey.”

No matter what the future holds for Campbell-Brown, she hopes her story inspires others to know that with God, hard work and mental strength, all things are possible.

“The Lord took me from a humble beginning in Trelawny, Jamaica and elevated me to the highest honor in athletics, that of Olympic Champion,” she said. “When people think of Veronica Campbell-Brown, I want to be remembered as one who played the sport with humility, tenacity, thankfulness and faith in God, one who is a positive role model and inspiration to people all over the world.”