Challenging stereotypes: Motherhood and elite sports, a successful combination

Being a mother and continuing to be an elite athlete is a challenge that many women face in the world of sports. Three prominent Spanish athletes, Ona Carbonell, Maialen Chourraut, and Nuria Villarrubla, have shared their experiences in deciding to combine motherhood with their sporting careers, demonstrating that it is possible to succeed in both roles. Ona Carbonell, a renowned artistic swimmer and double Olympic medalist, currently chairs the Maternity and Sport Commission of the Spanish Olympic Committee. She recalls the challenges she faced when becoming pregnant in an environment where the topic was still taboo, with few role models who had shared their stories. However, she highlights the progress made, such as the creation of dedicated spaces in Olympic villages for athlete mothers. Maialen Chourraut, an Olympic champion in whitewater canoeing, considers the decision to step away from competition for at least a year to become a mother was difficult but enriching. Her experience demonstrates that motherhood is not a hindrance to continuing to achieve high-level sporting goals. Meanwhile, Nuria Villarrubla, also a canoeist and mother, emphasizes the support she has received to balance her family and sporting life. Although she acknowledges that there are still more difficulties at the international level, she highlights progress towards equality and the importance of showcasing these stories to normalize motherhood in elite sports. The three athletes agree on the need to continue working to make motherhood visible and normalize it in sports, with the goal of promoting equal opportunities and ensuring that women can be mothers and continue to develop as high-performance athletes. Their valuable experiences serve as inspiration for many women seeking to balance their passion for sports with the desire to start a family.