Completed my most triumphant racing season to date - while eight months pregnant
In the world of professional sports, pregnancy and elite competition often seem like contradictory concepts. Yet, one athlete has defied these expectations, racing through her 2025 gravel season while eight and a half months pregnant.
The athlete, whose brand partners include Scott, Shimano, CamelBak, Zico Coconut, CarbsFuel, Garmin, and Vittoria, has been met with 100% support from all sides. Her goal was to set an example for what it could look like to be a pregnant professional athlete, proving that career and family can coexist.
This determined athlete began her racing journey at the SBT Green, where she raced alongside her mother. The athlete's final race was the SBT GRVL, another testament to her commitment and resilience. In between, she tackled five races, including BWR AZ, Sea Otter Gravel, Levi's Gran, Unbound 50, and SBT Green.
At the Unbound 50, the athlete found herself in the front group, a testament to her physical prowess despite her pregnancy. She acknowledged, however, that every pregnancy is different, and it's important to acknowledge this.
The athlete experienced pre-race nerves about racing safely during pregnancy. To alleviate these concerns, she promised herself to stop if she ever felt unsafe during races. She also listened to her body and consulted her doctor throughout the season.
The athlete's journey has not been without challenges. Women's prime childbearing years often overlap with their peak athletic years, forcing them to choose between career or family. However, the athlete wanted to show that one can do both.
Upon finishing her final race, the athlete felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. She received overwhelmingly positive responses to her racing during pregnancy, a testament to the changing attitudes towards pregnant athletes.
As the athlete prepares for motherhood, she plans to approach her post-pregnancy journey with a similar mindset, acknowledging it as something new. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with the right support and mindset, one can excel in both career and family.
In professional sports, the path for pregnant athletes remains challenging, physically and institutionally. However, the athlete's journey shows a glimmer of hope, revealing a need for more supportive maternity policies in professional sports.
[1] Faith Kipyegon [2] Sandra Alonso [4] Allyson Felix
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