US Olympic athlete Alysia Montaño amazed the world by competing in a top level running competition while heavily pregnant recently.
She has since announced that she has given birth to a healthy baby girl.
This is the first child for the 28-year-old runner and her husband Louis, who married in 2011.
She made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a picture of a baby’s hand over her and her husband’s hands with the caption:
“Team Montaño has added a new member to the line-up on August 15, 2014 at 2:29am. Coming in at 7lbs 15ounces and 19.5 inches long, please welcome Linnea Dori Montaño!!! #ItsAGirl #TeamFlowerPower”
Alysia made headlines when she took part in the 800m race in the U.S. Track and Field Championships at 34 weeks pregnant in June. She had full approval from her doctors to keep up her training.
Although came last in her race, the competing itself was what was important for the athlete.
“That took away any fear of what the outside world might think about a woman running during her pregnancy,” Alysia explained.
“What I found out mostly was that exercising during pregnancy is actually much better for the mom and the baby.
“I did all the things I normally do ... I just happened to be pregnant. This is my normal this year.”