Photo: World Athletics.
Reconciling motherhood and elite sport is a challenge. World Athletics has therefore launched a new project, called "Childbirth And Return in Elite Sport" (CARES), to offer the best possible support. The stated objective: to obtain evidence that can inform future policies and support systems, in order to protect female athletes and reduce inequalities within elite athletics To that end, two surveys aimed at athletes have been put online.
The first survey is aimed at athletes who have experienced pregnancy Since January 1, 2019, the survey has been collecting information on pregnancy, childbirth, return to sport, and difficulties encountered. The other survey questions athletes who have not experienced pregnancy about their perception of organizational support regarding maternity and possible mechanisms for protecting their status.
« We are constantly looking for ways to make our sport even fairer, and the CARES project is the next step for to ensure that athletes who are pregnant are protectedThey receive support and face no obstacles when it comes to returning to elite athletics., emphasizes Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics. It is important that our athletes are the driving force behind this approach.The responses from these surveys and the associated analysis of performance indicators are essential to this project, in order to guide future actions. »
« When I started my career, She didn't dare announce her pregnancy to her sponsors., for fear of being excluded, says Valerie Adams, chair of the athletes' commission. We are seeing more and more female athletes returning to competition after having children and performing at the highest level. I hope that the work being done in this area will encourage more female athletes to plan not only their sporting careers, but also their lives. "Athletes are invited to contribute to this initiative until September 30th."
