Supporting Athlete Parents: A Growing Trend in Women's Sports

The Paris Olympics is introducing new support measures for athlete parents, including nurseries and nursing rooms. FIFA and USA Track and Field have also rolled out new parental support policies. Soccer player Casey Krueger commends these efforts, though the landscape remains varied across sports and countries. Corporate support is also evolving.

The Paris Olympics is setting a new precedent by providing essential support for athlete parents, including nurseries and private nursing rooms in the Olympic village for the first time. This marks a significant step in addressing maternity and parental needs in the world of women's sports.

Broadening this trend, FIFA has introduced policies that expand on groundbreaking 2020 regulations, offering 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and extending benefits to coaches, adoptive parents, and non-biological mothers. Similarly, USA Track and Field launched a program in April to offer financial and insurance support to athletes returning from childbirth.

U.S. national soccer team defender Casey Krueger highlights the importance of these efforts. Currently competing in France, she appreciates the accommodation provided for nursing her son. While these initiatives are commendable, parental support in sports often varies significantly across different sports and nations, leaving many athletes to navigate a complex and inconsistent landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)