Paris 2024 Olympics: Supermums conquer Paris, featuring Naomi Osaka and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
The life of an Olympian is demanding, but throw parenthood into the mix and it becomes a Herculean task.
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 hopes to ease the challenges that athlete parents face worldwide by featuring an on-site nursery, the first of its kind, aimed at providing an opportunity to spend more quality time with their children during the Olympics.
This Olympic Village nursery, spearheaded by the American track star Allyson Felix, will support supermums like Clarisse Agbegnenou, Naomi Osaka and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in balancing their podium dreams with parenthood as they tackle the tatami, court and track.
IOC Athlete Commissioner Felix said: "I just knew how difficult it was to compete at the top level after I had my daughter and some practical things were really hard. And so when I joined the Athletes Commission of the IOC, I really wanted to be that voice for athlete moms and just take away one less thing for them to worry about in the pressure of competition. I think it really tells women that you can choose motherhood and also be at the top of your game and not have to miss a beat."
"Pregnancy and motherhood don’t have to mean a career end for female athletes," said Finland's double Olympic medallist and the IOC's Athletes' Commission Chair Emma Terho."This nursery allows that to happen while also giving athletes the opportunity to focus on the Games."
The nursery will be located at the heart of the Athlete Village Plaza, and Pampers-brand wipes and diapers will be available for use. It will also provide a sanctuary where athletes can play with and feed their babies away from the hustle and bustle of the Olympic Games.
A nursery fit for champions
Six-time world champion and reigning Olympic champion judoka Clarisse Agbegnenou is the undisputed queen of her category, -63kgs, both pre-and postpartum. After giving birth to her daughter, Athéna, Agbegnenou quickly returned to the top of her sport, winning a sixth world title just 11 months postpartum. She has taken her daughter all around the world for training camps and competitions, even breastfeeding between training sessions and fights. The French judo champion lives in Paris with her daughter and partner, with the nursery providing a second home for her family as she prepares to defend her title in front of a judo-loving home crowd.
Also competing in French colors in Paris is Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist in basketball, Valériane Vukosavljevic, who has breastfed her daughter, Alani, during competition as well. She told Olympics.com: "During my free time, when I’m not with the team, I can be with my daughter. I can breastfeed her, take care of her, make her eat, make her shower – all the things a mom needs to do. It’s important because she is still very young, and I can’t imagine leaving her alone for such a long time. It’s important for a mom, for her mental health." Vukosavljevic was pregnant with Alani while playing at the Games in Japan.
Naomi Osaka: We all deserve the choice
Tennis pro Osaka welcomed her daughter, Shai, in July of 2023, one year before she was set to make her second Olympic appearance. Known for her tough serve and equally tough mentality, the four-time Grand Slam champion has always been vocal about the importance of mental health and well-being. She was also outspoken about the importance of such support upon her return to tennis.
"I'm proud of myself for continuing to chase my dreams while also being a mom. And I recognize that I'm fortunate to have the support to return to work this month on my own terms, in my own time. So many American parents don’t have that choice. But we ALL deserve it," Osaka shared on social media.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wins two world titles after giving birth to her son
Jamaican track and field legend Fraser-Pryce has consistently defied age and expectations, winning world titles well into her 30s, including two 100m world titles since the birth of her son Zyon in 2017**.** The triple Olympic champion and 10-time world champion now prepares for her fifth Olympic Games - her first Games being able to spend some time with Bryon.
“Being a mom and an athlete is a balancing act, but I enjoy it,” Fraser-Pryce shared on Instagram, whose nickname 'Pocket Rocket' has transformed into 'Mommy Rocket'.
"Zyon and my husband, my family have been my strength. When everybody else doubted, they never did. And for me, having my son and coming back and performing the way I did... it's just hoping that I can give inspiration to all the women who are thinking about starting a family or currently starting a family and wondering if they can come back. You can do anything. It's about who you are and why you started in the first place," Fraser-Pryce told the BBC.
- Meet the supermoms of track and field
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: “Motherhood doesn’t diminish your capabilities”
The introduction of a nursery at the Olympic Games is a groundbreaking move towards better support for athlete-parents. By setting this new standard, Paris 2024 could inspire future sporting events to follow suit, allowing athletes to excel in their careers and enjoy precious family time.
Five-time Olympic cycling gold medal track cyclist Laura Kenny said: "For athletes who are also juggling their role as parents, connecting with their babies in an accessible space like the nursery supported by Pampers will be an amazing resource, providing valuable support to Olympic and Paralympic athletes during Games time."