Melissa Bishop, two-time Olympian and Canadian record holder in the 800-metres, announced via social media that she and husband Osi Nriagu are expecting their first child.
Bishop’s name was noticeably missing from Athletics Canada’s Commonwealth Games nominations list and now fans across the country finally know why.
We❤️this kind of surprise, Baby Nriagu is on THE way! Replacing abs with a baby bump this summer and we can’t wait! We are so looking forward to adding another member to the #bishnriagusquad on our road to Tokyo 2020 #yabish #babynriagu pic.twitter.com/MU01GJ79jz
— Melissa Bishop (@BishopMelissa) February 1, 2018
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Melissa and Osi on their remarkable news. I have had the privilege of knowing Melissa for several years and have watched her grow from a club-level athlete with the Ottawa Lions to an international high performance athlete,” said Glenroy Gilbert, Athletics Canada’s Head Coach.
“I am confident Melissa will tackle this new endeavour as she has everything else… with class and determination. We look forward to seeing ‘Bish’ back on the track representing Canada in time for the 2019 World Championships in Doha.”
Following Bishop’s exciting announcement, we caught-up with her regarding the surprise baby news. “Osi and I are thrilled to be starting our family together, excitement doesn’t begin to describe how we’re feeling,” said Bishop.
In 2017, Bishop’s life – both on and off the track – was a “wild ride with possibly the most smiles”. She brought a hometown crowd to its feet capturing yet another Canadian Championship, re-set her women’s 800-metre national record, once again sported her Canadian threads in London where she finished fifth at the World Championships, married long-time boyfriend and former long jumper Nriagu and travelled around the world.
Just one month into 2018, that wild ride is sure to continue as she replaces abs with a baby bump, and awaits the arrival of Baby Nriagu – another member of the #bishnriagusquad en route to Tokyo 2020.
“My 2018 season will be focused mainly on a healthy baby and healthy mom, but still continuing to train as best and safe I can,” said Bishop. “I have full intentions to be back into the swing of things as soon as I can, Doha 2019 and Tokyo 2020 are all on my schedule. We’ve had such an outpouring of support and kind words from the athletics community, its heartwarming to see it.”
Congratulations, Melissa and Osi! #yabish!
