Leading into Rio 2016, World Championship silver medalist Melissa Bishop, was looking to build on her medal-momentum from a dominant performance at Beijing 2015 where she shattered the Canadian Record – blazing to a 1:57.52.

"I want to make the final and compete to the best of my abilities,” said Melissa. "I want to make a difference for Team Canada and Canadian athletics on a global stage. I want to make Canada proud."

Rounding into Olympic-form, Melissa bettered her Canadian Record in the 800m with a 1:57.43 at the TrackTown Classic in Edmonton just a week after winning the Canadian Trials.

In Rio, Melissa set a new personal best and Canadian Record (1:57.01) in an equally competitive and controversial final, finishing just off the podium by 0.13 seconds.

That's about one stride.

Although disappointed, when asked in a post-race interview if this was the end of her Olympic journey, it was her determined and immediate reply that endeared her to so many Canadians:

"Heck no! I'm just getting started."

Now, Melissa and her husband Osi Nriagu, are making plans for their first baby in June 2018 and for her comeback for Tokyo 2020.

“I think being a mom in pursuit of the Olympic podium holds more weight than before,” said Melissa. “I truly believe there is a tougher, stronger and fiercer woman in you when you become a mom and life becomes less about you, and more about your family. When I come back, I’ll be running for one more really special little individual.”

Inspired by many of the other Olympic moms that have come back to competition, Melissa is ready for the longer-term challenge.

“I’ve seen incredible examples of Canadian Olympians like Hayley Wickenheiser, Meaghan Mikkelson, and Hilary Stellingwerff with sheer joy across their faces when they get to hold their babies at the end of something successful!” added Melissa.

“That’s what is motivating me for Tokyo 2020.”

Now, as the proud mom of Corinne, Melissa is writing a beautiful story about fearless motherhood to inspire active moms and moms-to-be across Canada...

...all while trying to keep pace with her toddler.