Malindi Elmore, a 44-year-old mother of two, is training for her third Olympic Games this summer as a marathon runner for Canada. Despite her busy schedule, which includes her kids’ extracurricular activities, Elmore has found success in the highly competitive field of women’s marathon racing. She finished in the top 10 in Tokyo in 2020, showcasing her incredible athletic abilities at an age beyond what is typically considered an athlete’s prime.
Elmore’s journey to the Olympics began 20 years ago when she represented Canada in the 1,500-meter event at the Athens Olympics. After retiring in 2012, the birth of her first son reignited her athletic fire, leading her to explore new challenges in triathlons. Eventually, Elmore transitioned to marathon running, setting a Canadian national record and securing a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. With the support of her husband, Graham Hood, who also serves as her coach, Elmore has continued to pursue her Olympic dreams while juggling parental duties.
Despite the time constraints of being a mother, Elmore finds ways to prioritize her training, often running early in the morning or between her children’s activities. She credits her “great support system” for enabling her to continue pursuing her goals, including her desire to have her kids witness her Olympic journey. Elmore’s dedication to her sport sets a powerful example for her boys, emphasizing the importance of pursuing personal goals alongside family responsibilities.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Elmore aims to achieve another top-10 finish in the women’s marathon, recognizing the competitive nature of the field. She hopes to eventually win a medal and stand on the podium with the Canadian flag, but remains realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. With her family by her side, Elmore plans to make the trip to Paris a memorable family vacation, allowing her children to experience all that Europe has to offer.
Elmore’s commitment to her sport, even at the age of 44, serves as an inspiration to others, challenging stereotypes about age and athletic performance. She believes that having personal goals while raising a family can make parents better role models and ultimately benefit their children. By continuing to push her limits and strive for excellence, Elmore embodies the mantra of never being too old to pursue one’s passions and achieve great things.
As the women’s marathon approaches at the Paris Olympics, Elmore remains focused on her training and the opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage once again. Her dedication to her sport, her family, and her personal goals exemplifies the “cool mom” mentality, inspiring others to pursue their dreams no matter their circumstances. With Elmore’s determination and drive, she continues to defy expectations and set a shining example for her children, her community, and beyond.
