Sometimes it seems that being a working mom is a Herculean task. But some women actually do rival the ancient Greeks in their prowess -- as competitors in the Olympics. This year in the London Olympics, 13 hard-working moms are representing the U.S. in sports from soccer and beach volleyball to track and field.
One of the more prominent Olympic moms is Kerri Walsh, part of a beach volleyball duo with Misty May-Treanor. The pair hopes to extend their undefeated streak of the last two games to come back with another gold medal, despite Walsh becoming a mother twice over, in 2009 and 2010. "I was so grateful for Misty, as I have been for the past 10 years," Walsh told NBC. "My heart was telling me that you're not done. . . . It's been a resounding 'go for it'."
Women whose livelihood depends on their physical fitness must add an extra layer of decision-making to the perennial question of when to plan maternity leave. Even those athletes who return to training in the days after giving birth grapple with the reality of the changes pregnancy makes in your body. Although it depends on the sport. This year, Malaysian shooter Nur Suryani will compete in air rifle while eight months pregnant.
The Olympics have been on our brain all week, since our summer camp decided to stage a mock Olympics today. The girls returned hot and sweaty, and I am guessing they will sleep well tonight. (After we watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, naturally!)
Photo credit: Kerriwalsh.com
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So proud to be British and as a mum of 3, so proud to welcome all these fabulous women!