Paris 2024: “It really does take a village to raise a child”
These Olympics mark a significant advance for mother athletes
The 2024 Paris Olympics marks the first time in the history of the games that a dedicated space has been provided for parents to meet with their children privately. This area offers a safe environment for breastfeeding and includes an open playtime zone.
This initiative aligns with the prominent assertion that these Olympics are the first ever to achieve complete gender equality in athlete participation. When women first competed in the Olympics in 1900, there were only 22 female athletes. Now, there are 5,250 women, matching the number of male participants.
Navigating breastfeeding while pursuing elite sports has historically been tough for top female athletes, who often face the dual challenge of balancing their careers with motherhood.
Until recently, many female athletes faced the difficult choice between pursuing their sport and starting a family. However, a rising number of Olympian mothers are shattering records and redefining expectations. These athletes are demonstrating that it is possible to excel in both motherhood and elite athletic performance.
At Healthy Cities Illawarra, we understand the critical need to support the well-being of athlete mothers. While regular physical activity offers significant physical and mental health benefits, providing dedicated spaces for breastfeeding is equally important in nurturing the bond between mother and child. The 2024 Paris Olympics has made a groundbreaking move by introducing a nursery, allowing athlete parents to connect with their young children during the games.
Australian Olympian Keesja Gofers recently highlighted the new nursery at the Paris 2024 Olympics on social media. She detailed its features, including books, toys, a ball pit, a kiddie bike, a changing station, and a breastfeeding area, along with a mini race track for young athletes. Gofers called it “a really cool setup,” applauding its support for athlete parents during the Games.
These Olympics mark a significant advance for mother athletes, helping them navigate the pressures, expectations, and demands of performance. The progress made is heartening, and it’s uplifting to see commissions and organisations working together with athletes to plan for a better future.
For those seeking advice and support on managing breastfeeding, the NSW Health guide offers valuable insights.