In 5/2025, Kambundji announced her pregnancy on social media, effectively ending her season and causing her to miss the world championships in Tokyo.
This didn't mean the Swiss sprinter had to stop training completely. On 12/8, she posted a video on Instagram showing her sprinting powerfully on a track, despite her visible baby bump.
Many commenters expressed surprise and concern. However, Kambundji stated she feels healthy and is under the close supervision of a medical team and obstetricians.
"I've never felt tired. There was only one day I didn't feel well, so I chose cycling instead of running. I have regular checkups and listen to my body to know which exercises are appropriate," the 33-year-old athlete said.
Four weeks ago, Kambundji posted a similar sprinting video on Instagram. Besides the concerned comments, she impressed many by demonstrating that an athlete can maintain peak physical fitness during pregnancy with proper medical supervision.
Kambundji made her Olympic debut in London in 2012 at the age of 20, competing in the 100m and 4x100m relay. She won a bronze medal in the 100m at the 2016 European Championships and became the world 60m champion at the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade with a national record time of 6.96 seconds. That same year, she won gold in the 200m and silver in the 100m at the European Championships.
In 2023, Kambundji defended her European Indoor 60m title and won the 200m gold at the 2024 European Championships. Earlier this year, she won the World Indoor 60m title in Nanjing before pausing her career to welcome her first child.
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Mujinga Kambundji celebrates her 200m gold medal at the 2022 European Championships. Photo: Athletix |
Mujinga Kambundji celebrates her 200m gold medal at the 2022 European Championships. Photo: Athletix
While training and competing during pregnancy can be controversial, it's not uncommon. In 4/2024, 27-year-old American runner Anna Rohrer won the women's half marathon at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis while almost six months pregnant.
In 1/2023, three-time Olympian Gesa Krause from Germany completed a 5km race at the Silvesterlauf Trier in 17 minutes 31 seconds while 22 weeks pregnant.
Conversely, 2018 Boston Marathon runner-up Sarah Sellers regretted maintaining her training regimen late into her pregnancy and running six days postpartum, resulting in persistent injuries.
Hong Duy (Mundo Deportivo)
