Being an athlete while also being a mother often comes with challenges. On top of their professional and parental duties, athlete mothers often contend with inequalities and media coverage that reinforces stereotypes.
Pregnancy and motherhood are reasons why some sportswomen end their careers. Many athletes grapple with sport organizations that are unprepared to support them as mothers, alongside cultural pressures to focus on just motherhood. Yet, many athletes have pursued both motherhood and their athletic ambitions and gained professional success and media attention.
Acceptance of motherhood and sport careers is shifting. The 2024 Paris Olympics supported athlete mothers by providing spaces for child care, and mothers in the Professional Women’s Hockey League are gaining media attention.
