Grace Claxton: Ibero-American champion and athlete mother sets her sights on Santo Domingo 2026

Puerto Rican hurdler Grace Claxton is experiencing one of the most remarkable moments of her athletic career. Just two days after successfully defending her Ibero-American title in Peru, the athlete expressed her excitement about competing at the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, an event she considers especially significant for Puerto Rico.

A standout in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, Claxton boasts an elite-level résumé that includes appearances at the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, establishing herself as one of the leading figures in Puerto Rican and Caribbean athletics.

During an interview, Claxton highlighted the special importance that the Central American and Caribbean Games hold for Puerto Rican athletes.

“For Puerto Rico, the Central American and Caribbean Games are a huge and extremely important event, just like the Olympics. We really make our presence felt at the Central American Games, and I’m excited about that event,” she said.

At 32 years old, Claxton faces an additional challenge that has defined a new chapter in her life: motherhood. As the mother of a two-year-old son, she acknowledges that balancing the demands of elite sport with family responsibilities requires an extraordinary level of commitment.

“Being a high-performance athlete involves a lot of sacrifice. Being a mom means double the work. While others are resting, I have to take care of my baby, teach him, and protect him. The sacrifice is much greater,” she explained.

Despite the daily demands, Claxton revealed that her motivation to continue competing at the highest level remains stronger than ever. Her preparation combines physical training, mental discipline, and a strategic approach to every stage of her development.

“I’m training hard, but I’m also training smart,” she said.

With a new Ibero-American title, two Olympic appearances, and the challenge of balancing motherhood with elite sport, Grace Claxton is emerging as one of the athletes to watch on the road to Santo Domingo 2026, where she hopes to once again raise Puerto Rico’s flag high on the regional stage.

By: Cintia Sánchez