How WWE superstar Becky Lynch found a way to top 2019 with one announcement -- and give back to Special Olympics

Last fall, Lynch partnered with Special Olympics -- a sports organization for athletes with intellectual disabilities -- to develop the fitness video series "School of Strength." Lynch, who has worked with Special Olympics since 2015, wanted to help make an impact beyond the ring and expand her role with the organization. Special Olympics released the campaign in response to athletes' need for at-home workouts during the coronavirus pandemic.

And then came another twist in Lynch's life. She and her fiancé, fellow WWE headliner Seth Rollins, found out they are expecting their first child in December. Lynch announced the news earlier this month on the promotion's "Monday Night Raw," relinquishing the Raw women's title.

Lynch talked to espnW about the lessons she has learned from working with Special Olympics, the triumphs of the past year and the next chapter in her life: being a mom.

espnW: Over the years, you've met Special Olympics athletes before and after WWE events. You've also recorded video messages, wishing them good luck before major competitions. Why is this connection so important to you?

Becky Lynch: Well, the message with Special Olympics is it's a movement to include, right? And it's ending the stigma and showing we all should show our support and be involved. And I think if I can do any small amount, whatever that is, whether that be giving time or doing an appearance, then I should do it.

espnW: What does it mean to you to share your fitness expertise with Special Olympics athletes during these unprecedented times?

BL: Fitness is something that is such an important part of my life, and I think it's so good for anybody and everybody just mentally, physically and community-wise. It's so important for them to keep up their fitness. And this was an easy way to do it. And of course, then the COVID-19 hit, and it's just been perfect that these videos are available now. So hopefully once all of this subsides, those athletes will be able to go back to it strong as ever without skipping a beat.

espnW: What's been your biggest takeaway from working with the athletes?

BL: To approach everything with enthusiasm, and if you do that, then everybody's better off. The people that you work with, the people that you're around, the people that are watching ... everybody is better off. And it's one of those things that, when I watch these athletes, they're all having so much fun, and when you're having fun and you're going out there doing what you love and you approach it with such enthusiasm and energy, then that's infectious, and everybody catches on to that.

espnW: Speaking of your own career, you recently announced that you are expecting your first child. How do you feel stepping away from the ring at this time during your pregnancy?

BL: Well, it's tough because I've given my whole life to wrestling and to moving forward in my career. But this was a choice that, for me, felt like the right one. Because it is wild that a lot of women still have to choose between their athletics or a family. And I didn't want to have to choose that. For me, this was the right time to go and start a family, something that I've always wanted to do. And so I feel like I've achieved nearly everything I could achieve in wrestling. I think there's nothing more important than family. And I'm so excited to experience that and to have this other person that is half me and half the love of my life that I get to show love.