On race mornings, elite marathoner Keira D’Amato fights back tears as she walks to the line, a ritual that reveals the weight she carries into every mile. The U.S. distance star, a mother and late-career standout, has made vulnerability part of her routine, turning nerves into fuel on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
The scene repeats at major events and hometown races alike. She gets quiet, breathes, and lets the moment land. It is the start of a calculated performance built on years of training, setbacks, and renewal.
“Just before she runs a marathon, Keira D’Amato tears up. As she makes her way to the starting line, she gets emotional.”
From Comeback Story to Contender
D’Amato’s profile grew after a rare return to elite form. She stepped away from pro running, built a career outside the sport, and started a family. Then she came back stronger. She won national titles and set fast times in a surge that captured attention.
She once held the American record in the marathon, earning it with a controlled and brave run in Houston. That record has since changed hands, but her place in the conversation remains secure. Her journey reshaped expectations for athletes with non-linear careers.
Her performances have also highlighted the depth of U.S. women’s distance running. Strong domestic marathons and improved training groups pushed times lower. D’Amato’s resurgence fit right into that trend and helped keep interest high in the 26.2-mile event.
What Pre-Race Tears Can Mean
Sports psychologists often view emotions before a race as data. Anxiety can spike heart rate and sharpen focus. It can also unsettle pacing if it turns into panic. The difference is management. Elite athletes learn to frame the surge as readiness, not a warning sign.
D’Amato’s tears suggest a healthy acknowledgment of stress. She names the feeling and accepts it. That approach can reduce the threat response and improve execution in the opening miles. Many coaches train this skill alongside physical workouts.
- Controlled breathing helps stabilize the first kilometer.
- Pre-planned checkpoints turn nerves into tasks.
- Routines provide familiarity when stakes are high.
In marathons, the early pace can decide the day. Athletes who channel nerves into patience often run steadier splits. Those who chase adrenaline may pay later. D’Amato’s record suggests discipline, even when emotions run hot.
Pressure, Public Life, and Performance
Modern racing comes with more attention. Social media brings fans closer and raises scrutiny. For a high-profile runner, the pre-race walk is not just about the clock. It is also about expectations from sponsors, supporters, and rivals.
D’Amato’s openness about nerves can diffuse that pressure. It suggests that fear and readiness can coexist. Younger athletes may see an example they can use. Transparency also builds trust with fans who prize authenticity over bravado.
Still, there are trade-offs. Public candor invites debate about toughness and mindset. Some competitors prefer quiet and privacy. Others, like D’Amato, find strength in saying the quiet part out loud.
What the Numbers Say
Data from major marathons shows a consistent pattern: even pacing correlates with faster times and fewer late drop-offs. Athletes who control the first 10 kilometers reduce the risk of severe slowdowns after mile 20. Emotional spikes can disrupt that plan if they push the early pace too high.
Coaches will track heart rate variability in the taper week to assess readiness and stress. A slight uptick in arousal can be productive. Over-arousal can lead to erratic pacing. Experience helps athletes find that narrow lane.
What Comes Next
D’Amato’s pre-start emotions are a window into the sport’s demands. They show the human side of a high-output event and the careful craft beneath it. Her approach aligns with a broader shift in elite sports toward mental skills training and honest discussion of stress.
As major marathons stack up on the calendar, watch for how athletes manage the opening miles. Listen for how they describe their morning routines. Expect more conversation about mental preparation, not less.
The tears at the line do not signal weakness. They signal a body and mind switched on for a hard task. For D’Amato, that honesty may be part of the edge that keeps her in the fight.
