Molly Seidel just made her third career marathon count. The 27-year-old American shocked a stacked field by winning bronze at the 2021 Olympics, becoming the third American woman to medal in the Olympic marathon as she finished behind gold medalist Peres Jepchirchir and silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, both of Kenya.
In extremely hot and humid conditions in Sapporo, Japan, the American team – Seidel, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and Sally Kipyego – wasn’t expected to factor into the medal conversation. While Tuliamuk appeared to bow out out mid-race, Seidel and Kipyego quickly established themselves within the lead pack. Kipyego dropped up off and ultimately finished 17th, but Seidel maintained her controlled pace, often leading the thinning pack as the pace (and the heat) increased.
Seidel eventually dropped off the Kenyans’ pace but maintained a comfortable lead over fourth-place finisher Roza Dereje of Ethiopia. Seidel’s time was 2:27:46, trailing half marathon world champion Jepchirchir with 2:27:20 and marathon world record holder Kosgei, who finished in 2:27:36.
For Seidel, it’s a day to write her name in the history books. The Wisconsin native will now join two other legendary marathoners as the only American women to medal in the Olympic marathon: Joan Benoit Samuelson, who won gold in the inaugural women’s race in 1984, and American record holder Deena Kastor, who took bronze in 2004. Ahead, see more photos of the medalists and the epic race.
Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor Welcome a Baby Girl Hours After Securing Spot in the WNBA Finals
Looks like the Taurasi-Taylor family has another baller to add to their roster! Hours after securing a spot in the WNBA finals, Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi and wife Penny Taylor welcomed their second child, a baby girl, early Saturday morning. Taurasi’s team announced the news on Twitter, writing, “At 4:24 am baby GOAT #2 arrived. Congratulations to Dee and Penny on the birth of their beautiful, healthy baby girl. 💜🧡 #FamilyOf4TheValley. ”
It was an extremely exciting few days for the new family of four, as Taurasi finished the semifinals game against the Las Vegas Aces after scoring 24 points and made it home to Phoenix just in time for Taylor to give birth to their daughter. In her post-game interview, the WNBA legend pointed to the camera and said, “Hold it in babe, I’m coming! ”
The couple met in 2004 when they were teammates on the Mercury together and dated for years before marrying in 2017. They already have a 3-year-old son named Leo Michael. Congratulations to the Taurasi-Taylor family, and good luck to the Mercury in the WNBA finals!
