Olympic Champion Announces Arrival of Baby Daughter
IMAGE/ Instagram
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn has welcomed her first child marking a deeply personal milestone for the Puerto Rican Olympic champion after years of competing at the highest level of athletics.
The 100m hurdles star announced the arrival of her daughter, Jayla Sol Carlies, on August 7 through an Instagram post. Camacho-Quinn shared a photograph from a hospital bed, holding her newborn daughter close to her chest as she introduced her to the world.
“Jayla Sol Carlies 💝 Welcome to the world mi princesa.”
The arrival of Jayla comes just months after Camacho-Quinn revealed that she was expecting her first child with American football player Jaylon Carlies. She made the pregnancy announcement on May 10, 2026, on Mother’s Day, beginning a new chapter away from the intensity of elite competition.
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For an athlete who has already built an impressive legacy, motherhood represents a significant change. Camacho-Quinn won Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games before adding a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She has also collected World Championship silver and bronze medals and major Diamond League titles.
From Olympic Glory to Motherhood
Camacho-Quinn’s decision to step away from competition came after a difficult period that had already been affected by injury. Her last competitive appearance came in April 2025 at the inaugural Grand Slam Track Kingston Slam, where she finished third in the 100m hurdles in 12.70 seconds before also taking part in the 100m.
An injury to her foot then disrupted her plans. The recovery process proved challenging as she attempted to find the right balance between training and rest. Too much training risked slowing her recovery, while spending too much time away from the track affected her race sharpness.
The setback eventually forced her to withdraw from the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. By September, Camacho-Quinn had confirmed that she would not compete at the championships because she had not recovered sufficiently from the injury.
Her pregnancy announcement subsequently changed the direction of her immediate career plans, although the Olympic champion has indicated that she does not consider motherhood the end of her athletics journey.
In an Instagram Story after announcing her pregnancy, Camacho-Quinn offered supporters a glimpse of what could lie ahead, writing, “See you next year on the track.”
That message has fuelled expectations that the 29-year-old could return to competition in 2027. She has not, however, announced a specific race or meeting for her comeback.
The possibility of another Olympic appearance also remains part of her long-term ambitions. Before becoming pregnant, Camacho-Quinn had spoken about potentially competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which would give her another opportunity to compete on the biggest stage.
“Yes, I can make it to another Olympics. Los Angeles could be my last,” he said. “I’ve seen athletes competing at 36. Why can’t I? ”
Rivals Turn Supporters
The arrival of Jayla has also brought messages of congratulations from some of the biggest names in women’s hurdles, including athletes who have shared intense battles with Camacho-Quinn on the track.
Among those to celebrate the moment was American hurdler Masai Russell, who defeated Camacho-Quinn at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Russell won the 100m hurdles title in 12.33 seconds, while Camacho-Quinn claimed bronze in 12.36.
Russell’s message reflected the personal bond that can exist between athletes despite fierce competition.
“Congrats 🥹🥹.”
Their rivalry continued after Paris, with Camacho-Quinn getting the better of Russell at the inaugural Athlos NYC on September 26, 2024. The Puerto Rican won the 100m hurdles in 12.36 seconds, while Russell finished third in 12.44.
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Another Olympic champion, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, also congratulated Camacho-Quinn. McLaughlin-Levrone had herself become a mother after welcoming her daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, on July 12.
“Congratulations!!! 🥹💕.”
Other athletes, including Jemima Bromfield, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Tia Jones, also shared messages celebrating Camacho-Quinn’s new journey.
“Awwwwww congratulations 🎉🎊🍾,” Bromfield wrote, while Jefferson-Wooden added, “Congratulations 🥹🥹🥹.”
Jones also joined the celebrations, writing, “Congratulations mamaaa💗💗💗.”
The messages underline the support surrounding Camacho-Quinn as she embraces life away from the track. They also highlight a growing trend among elite female athletes who have continued to pursue their careers while navigating motherhood.
For Camacho-Quinn, the immediate focus is likely to be her daughter and the demands of becoming a mother for the first time. Yet her previous comments suggest that the starting blocks may still have a place in her future.
After conquering the Olympic stage and overcoming major challenges in her career, the Puerto Rican star now has a different challenge ahead. Whether she returns in 2027 or ultimately targets another Olympic appearance in Los Angeles, her latest chapter has already begun with a victory that exists beyond medals and records.
