While everyone experiences pregnancy differently, and being pregnant can come with physical and mental health challenges, one pregnant mother from Oregon is spending her time gestating by crushing records at the pool.
The U.S. Masters Swimming Association shared a post on August 10 showcasing Oregon Masters swimmer Ilsa Feierabend, who claimed three medals in their competition — all at 35 weeks pregnant with her second child.
According to the post, Isla won first place in the 800m free and followed up with her first-place win with another victory, placing 2nd in the 200m back and 200m free. Not too shabby for someone who could be considered full-term in two short weeks!
The pregnant mom is no stranger to swimming competitively while pregnant.
The U.S. Masters Swimming Association explained that swimming through pregnancy is nothing new for Ilsa. During her first pregnancy, she even completed swim practice in the morning before going into labor afterwards!
During this pregnancy, Isla has kept busy with open water swimming, including an 11-mile Portland Bridge Swim, a 10k in southern OR, and multiple 5k and 1500m races. As a result of an intense swimming schedule, Isla told the U.S. Masters that her win in the 800 felt “pretty easy” in comparison.
Even more impressive is that Isla took a break from swimming, stepping away from the sport after college for an entire 7 years before taking the (literal) plunge back in. The association explained that joining the Masters team “reignited” her love of swimming.
“Now, it’s not just about racing, it’s about the friendships, community, and joy of doing what she loves,” they explained.
On her own Instagram page, Isla discussed what it’s like to be racing competitively, especially pregnant and as a parent to a young child.
The mom of soon-to-be two is proud of her accomplishments.
She explained that she eschewed racing during her first pregnancy because she “hated” the idea of seeing slow race times, but in her second pregnancy, she had a “different mindset.”
This time around, Isla wrote, her mindset was simple:
“Show up, have fun, be curious!”
She added that “the human body is truly amazing,” and praised her “supportive community” and “amazing husband” who helped her succeed.
“It takes a village!” Isla noted.
For the curious among us, Isla also explained that she did borrow a suit that was 4 sizes bigger than she normally wears for the races and opted to do push starts over diving for her freestyle races.
“Didn’t want to risk it on a dive!” she laughed.
Isla also races in open water races, even winning a 10k and 1500m race at 32 weeks pregnant.
While everything about Isla is impressive, many commenters were especially amazed that the pregnant mom was able to successfully put on a tech suit for her race, as they are famously form-fitting and require squeezing into, even while not pregnant.
“Ummm while crazy impressive and major kuddos, the most impressive part is she got a tech suit on at 35 weeks pregnant!!! #badassmamajama,” wrote one commenter.
“Putting on the tech suit while being pregnant is MAD IMPRESSIVE,” added another
“Ok, you win the internet for putting on a tech suit while pregnant,” summed up @mollyjohngood.
