Fiona O’Keeffe’s 2024 season started on a high note, as she captured the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials title in a record-setting time of 2:22:10. The 26-year-old, representing Puma Elite Running, was poised to shine at the Paris Olympics, leading the U.S. women’s marathon team with sky-high expectations. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when hip pain struck days before the race, ultimately forcing her to drop out just a mile into the marathon.
Following the disappointing outcome, O’Keeffe returned home to Raleigh, North Carolina, where further medical testing revealed the root of her struggles—a femoral stress fracture. This late diagnosis came after initial imaging before the Olympics failed to detect the issue. “It was validating to know what was wrong, but frustrating that it wasn’t caught earlier,” O’Keeffe said.
Her recovery began immediately, starting with crutches and non-weight-bearing activities, followed by cross-training in the pool and on the bike, strength exercises, and gradual reintroduction to running. By mid-November, she was back to running pain-free.
Alongside her physical recovery, O’Keeffe focused on emotional healing. Time spent with loved ones in her hometown of Davis, California, and a road trip through Montana with friends helped her reconnect with life outside of running. Fly-fishing lessons from her travel companions and moments of reflection in nature provided solace during this challenging period. “The connections I’ve made through running remind me that it’s about more than just performance,” she shared.
O’Keeffe also embraced new opportunities, becoming involved with Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit advocating for climate action. Delayed by her intense Olympic preparation earlier in the year, she finally found time to attend their leadership summit, deepening her commitment to environmental advocacy within the running community.
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As she plans for 2025, O’Keeffe is focusing on health and consistency. Her recovery plan includes strength training to improve balance, nutritional adjustments to fuel marathon training, and a deliberate approach to her race calendar. She aims to ease back with shorter races like the half marathon before preparing for a full marathon later in the year.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of 2024, O’Keeffe remains optimistic. “This year taught me the importance of resilience and balance,” she said. “Now, I’m focused on rebuilding smarter, healthier, and with a greater appreciation for the process.” With a refreshed mindset, O’Keeffe is ready to take on 2025 with determination and hope for an even brighter future.
