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Aleia Hobbs, the American sprinter renowned for her prowess in the 100 meters and 60 meters, has not only made a name for herself on the track but also embraced the journey of motherhood and personal growth.
Aleia Hobbs OLY (born February 24, 1996) is an American track and field sprinter competing in the 60 meters and 100 meters. Hobbs is the North American record holder for the indoor 60 m with a time of 6.94 seconds, set in February 2023, becoming the second-fastest woman of all time at the event. Hobbs rose to prominence during her collegiate years at Louisiana State University (LSU). She clinched the NCAA title in the 100 meters in 2018 and turned professional later that year, signing with Adidas. Her accolades include a silver medal in the 4x100 meters relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a gold medal in the 4x100 meters relay at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.
Hobbs won three global medals as part of national women's 4 × 100 meters relays. She has also won two U.S. national titles and is also a two-time individual NCAA Division I champion.
Biography
Aleia Hobbs committed to the LSU Lady Tigers in 2014 and ran for them until mid 2018, when she turned pro and signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas. During her time at LSU, she also represented the United States at the 2015 Pan American Junior Championships, where she earned a silver medal in the 100 m and a gold medal in the 4 × 100 m relay.
Hobbs represented the United States at the 2019 World Relays, anchoring the United States to gold.
On April 3, 2021, she opened her outdoor season at the Battle on the Bayou in New Orleans, Louisiana with a world-leading time of 10.99 s in the 100 m.
On February 18, 2023, the 26-year-old stormed to second on the world 60 m all-time list with a time of 6.94 seconds, just 0.02 s shy of 30-year-old Irina Privalova's world record, at the U.S. Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She took 0.01 s off the North American indoor record set by Gail Devers also in 1993.
Personal Life
In 2022, Hobbs and her partner embarked on the profound journey of parenthood. They adopted a newborn boy, Amir King Hobbs, who was born prematurely and required care in the NICU before being placed in their care. The couple named him Amir, a decision that deeply resonated with Hobbs, who expressed, "I feel like I birthed him. The love is just so unconditional."
While Hobbs has not publicly disclosed her partner's identity, she has shared insights into their shared responsibilities and the challenges of balancing parenthood with a professional athletic career. She described the adoption process as "stressful," involving classes, home checks, and background checks, but emphasized that it was "worth it" to provide Amir with a loving home.
Motherhood has profoundly impacted Hobbs, reshaping her perspective both on and off the track. She noted that having Amir has taught her patience and generosity, and has given her a new level of respect for her own mother. Hobbs now runs not just for herself but for her son, finding renewed motivation in her athletic pursuits.
Hobbs has maintained a level of privacy regarding her personal relationships. While she has occasionally shared glimpses into her life, such as a TikTok video with her partner in 2020, she has consistently chosen to keep details about her partner out of the public eye. This decision reflects her preference to focus public attention on her athletic achievements and her role as a mother.
Aleia Hobbs' story is one of resilience, dedication, and love. Her journey from a promising collegiate athlete to an Olympic medalist and devoted mother showcases her multifaceted identity and the strength she draws from her family. As she continues to excel on the track, Hobbs remains an inspiring figure, balancing the demands of elite athletics with the joys and challenges of motherhood.
