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Olympic gold medalist slows down for baby daughter

The Winebergs, Northeastern grad Chris (left) and Olympic gold medalist Mary, hold new daughter Brooklyn Marie. Contributed photo.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Chris and Mary Wineberg, and their new daughter, Brooklyn Marie. Contributed photo.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: Meet the Wineberg family

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By By Kermit Rowe, Staff Writer Updated 12:45 AM Sunday, August 16, 2009

August is an exciting month for many, from students awaiting a new school year to rabid area prep football fans.

But none have better reasons to anticipate August’s arrival than Olympic gold medalist Mary Wineberg and her husband and former decathlete, Chris — a Northeastern High School graduate.

It all started with their marriage in August of 2006.

“On our first anniversary, we were on plane to Japan,” said Chris, referring to Mary’s trip and title at the World Championships. “Our second last year, we were on our way to Beijing for the Olympics. Now our third year, we have a new baby.

“Every year on our anniversary, everything seems to be getting bigger,” he continued. “You always wonder, ‘How can we top this one?’ Then something happens that does. Next year, though, I don’t think we can top the birth of our first child.”

That would be Brooklyn Marie, who arrived Aug. 3. This time last August, Mary stood on the Olympic podium with one of the most precious things she’s ever received in her life — a gold medal, won as part of the USA’s 1,600-meter relay team. This year, she’s been given something even more precious.

“We definitely wanted to start a family, and after the Olympics seemed like the best time,” Mary said. “Unfortunately I’m missing the World Championships, but this is a good time for us.”

Added Chris: “The last 10 days have been very exciting, and different. It’s been more of an adjustment for Mary, though.

“Her life has been very different. She just wanted to train for as long as she could, because she likes it. Once she couldn’t train competitively, she decided to take a rest. The last six months, she’s just been taking it easy.”

Mary has mixed feelings about getting back into competition.

“In a way, I’m not looking forward to it (she returns to training Sept. 5),” she said. “It was so nice to have time off.”

Being a normal new mom will come to an end, though.

“Now it’s back to the normal life of a professional athlete/mother,” Mary said. “I want to train and get back for the indoor season in January, as a warm-up. I don’t think I’ve lost passion. If anything, I want to get back into action. Sitting watching it (this month’s World Championships) on TV is real hard.”

Especially as Mary approaches a milestone birthday.

“A lot of people consider me to be old,” Mary said with a disbelieving laugh. “I’ll be 30 on Jan. 3. As long as my body can do it and as long as the passion is there, I’ll be doing it — if the Lord is willing.

“With my whole story, he has decided on everything. He will continue to lead me. I think I have four more years (of competition) left in this body.”

Brooklyn weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 21½ inches. Perfect for a future sprinter?

“I like to think so,” Chris said with a chuckle. “It certainly will be interesting to see. I hope she enjoys track and field, but we will have to make a conscientious effort not to push her too hard. I know there will be high expectations because of who she is. We’ll support her in whatever she chooses to do.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364 or krowe@coxohio.com.

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