by Eliza Sterling

A photograph of a triumphant woman, a celebrated cyclist, and a proud mother, sharing a jovial moment with her young children, enshrined by gleaming trophies that hint at her Olympian stature.

Outstanding Olympic cyclist and winner of numerous prestigious races, now setting an example as a sturdy mother of two, is poised to make her much-anticipated return to the sport after becoming a mom. Following the birth of her baby boy in September 2022, it has been a balancing act between raising a newborn and maintaining her athlete conditioning. However, she is satisfied with her progress and looks forward to resuming her racing career by May.

A sports-lover to the core, she was able to cycle until the day before she delivered, an experience she describes more as a way to keep her limbs warmed up rather than rigorous training. Following a natural delivery with no complications, she ensured to take a complete six-week break for proper recovery before getting back on the saddle, feeling invigorated with the physical freedom after weeks of initial child care and breastfeeding.

On carrying through with cycling during her pregnancy, she perceives it as a personal decision mostly molded by her mental well-being. Being a professional cyclist, she was well informed and prepared for the risk factors involved in persisting with cycling on a daily basis, pregnant or not. Cancelling out most of the risk, she chose low-traffic routes and avoided cycling during peak hours. As she puts it, a woman’s autonomy in such decisions is vital, especially when nine months seems a long stretch to stay indoors.

Maintaining a Balance

Fitting in maternal responsibilities with continuous training has been an uphill ride. However, she sees this situation is not markedly different from working-class moms who manage full-time jobs with parental duties. The only difference lies in how her job focuses on fitness and ‘me-time’, often elusive commodities for women pursuing other careers besides sports.

Her sustained endurance stretches of five hours on the bike do sap her energy substantially but with a strong support system consisting of her husband (a former professional cyclist himself) who is a full-time father, it becomes easier to divide the responsibilities. She identifies this as a product of effective team-work.

Inspiring Future Generations

The esteemed Olympian didn’t purposefully aim to be a trailblazer for future female cyclists. Marrying parenthood with a professional career in sports was never a statement, rather it was a personal choice backed by her self-belief. Having a child in 2018 at the zenith of her career was frowned upon by many who believed women lose their drive for competitive sports after childbirth. To the contrary, she was certain of her passions and capabilities, and she continues to make her mark in her career while nurturing her family.

Her journey exemplifies that household chores or maternity shouldn’t box a woman’s dreams or prevent them from pursuing their careers. It’s all about a balanced life, appropriate decision-making, and most importantly – confidence in oneself.

Please note that she serves as a representative for a specialized cycling insurer.

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