Husband Michael Rohl: “I’ve never known anyone who is as mentally tough as her.”
Michelle Rohl’s first grandchild, Peter, was born in March. One month later, she set a world record at Penn Relays in the 3000m and 5000m race walk for her age group.
Along with juggling motherhood and grandmotherhood, Rohl trains daily, clocking a total of 45 miles per week at an 8-minute-per-mile pace. She has overcome several injuries in recent years, including a concussion in 2023 from a racing accident and splitting her chin a few weeks ago.
Reflecting on her return to competitive racing, Rohl shared with Olympics.com: “A few years ago, I took time off when I had five kids and was homeschooling. I wasn’t competing, but I saw my coach and told him I wish I could train for the 800 again. He wrote me a workout schedule, and by July, I was at Masters Nationals, and I won. You just have to decide to train seriously again and get out there every day.”
The race at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, was a true testament to this mentality. And as she crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in applause, celebrating her outstanding career.
“I’ve never known anyone who is as mentally tough as her,” said Rohl’s husband Michael. “She likes to run, she likes to compete, and it’s a lifestyle for both of us. It makes her happy, and I’m just happy to be along for the ride.”
Next up for this super grandma will be the World Masters Athletics Championships from August 13-25 in Sweden.
