Stories From The Olympics – Battling For The Gold As A Mom

The Olympic trials and the games, in general, bring out some of the best athletes on the planet. Numerous participants have been training for several years, and depending on the sport, as long as their whole lives. When it comes to professional sports, especially track and field, there is more focus on speed and run times than the athletes themselves. Today, we will focus on the role of female athletes, particularly those who are mothers, in their quest for Olympic Gold.

Going The Distance For The USA Team

The most recent women's trials saw three highly talented women cross the finish line with impressive timings. Quanera Hayes secured first, with Allyson Felix in second, and Wadeline Jonathas came in third place. By scoring these spots in the 400 meters race, these amazing women have earned a spot on the USA team headed to the Tokyo Olympics. Felix has served on four teams in the past. But for the other two, this is their first shot at achieving a medal. While their accomplishments are notable on their own, what happened immediately following the race is what's so important.

Felix and Hayes are both amazing women and world-class athletes. They are also mothers to small children. As they crossed the finish, line their families cheered them on with glee and excitement, and as they basked in the spotlight, these women made a point of bringing their children down to the track to celebrate their wins with them. This is critical because sports have long been a sterile activity that punished athletes with families. However, this shows that women can perform at the top of their class even while maintaining a family and having their own little ones.

Women’s Portrayal In Track at the Olympics

If you look at sponsorships and even coaching methods, the world of professional sports is unkind to athletes who are also mothers. There is a lack of maternity protection and even no grace period for returning to the field post-childbirth. Felix, in particular, had to choose between giving up her child and hiding her pregnancy. Of course, she decided to go to term even though she knew it would result in a 70% pay cut. Thankfully, she overcame and even surpassed the expectations of sponsors and her coaches to land a spot on the team.

Stories like Felix and Hays's are just a tiny percentage of what female runners on the path to the Olympics face, but with the support of their family and innovative sponsors, this stigma is on its last legs. The governing body for the Tokyo Olympics has announced special provisions that will allow nursing runners and participants in other Olympic games to bring their children with them during their competitions. Competitive athletes no longer have to choose between motherhood and the gold medal. Let's keep inspiring future generations of Olympic runners by continuing to make progress in the field.

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