Since I still haven't gotten over Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's remarkable run of 10.63s a few days ago, I have decided to highlight other athletes worth celebrating over returning to top level after giving birth.
Having a child is no mean feat, and am sure we all can agree with that. Particularly for the mom it means sick periods, heavy periods, pain, pleasure, responsibility and a whole wide range of emotions involved in bringing a baby into the World.
For Professional athletes, it means time off pre-birth and a possible halt/reduction in livelihood income. Post-partum it means a loss of shape, dip in form and levels that may never be able to compete with prime athletes.
As a consequence, it is very possible that many female athletes delay childbirth until they pass their peak and their careers begin to decline. While many may not openly admit it, such scenarios may be what play out inadvertently delaying ready mothers.
Yet, there has been a few exceptional cases where athletes defy the odds, becoming both successful mothers and prime athletes. I will try to highlight a few with the aim of giving credit for thriving against the odds.
Shelly Ann Fraser
Fraser Pryce became the second fastest woman in history and the fastest woman alive about a week ago. 'Pocket Rocket' had a baby named Zion in August 2017 and came back to medal multiple times at the 2019 World Championships, including a gold in the 100m. At 34, she is still going strong and is a hot favorite for the Olympics this year
Serena Williams
Williams gave birth in 2017 and since then has reached the finals of 3 grand slam tournaments as well as one WTA tour title. While it may not be the dream comeback we all want, it is still quite remarkable that she remains relevant at top level considering her age and other factors.
Valerie Adams
On the list of my personal favorites Adams would be at the top. The New Zealand Shot Put Thrower dominated her division for two decades spanning the early 2000s and mid 2010s , winning multiple World and Olympic medals before slowing down. She had a baby in October 2017, and managed Silver at the 2018 Commonwealth games after her comeback.
Allyson Felix
Felix currently holds the record for the most gold medals in World Athletics championship history, standing at 13. One of the most versatile athletes of her era, she was a force to be reckoned with in both the 100, 200 and 400m races, also winning multiple medals in them. She gave birth in October 2018 and came back to win two gold medals at the 2019 World championships in both the mixed and normal 400m relays.
These should be counted as remarkable feats, and these women help to show that while difficult, one dream may not necessarily be sacrificed to attain the other.