Because the Paris 2024 Olympics wraps up, we’re taking a second to rejoice some unbelievable mums who will not be simply elevating households but additionally competing on the highest degree of sports activities. These superb ladies present us that motherhood and athletic excellence can go hand in hand!
Right this moment, we’re sharing the inspiring tales of three Aussie Olympians – Alyce Wooden (Kayaking), Genevieve Gregson (Marathon), and Keesja Gofers (Water Polo). Their experiences balancing motherhood with elite-level coaching are positive to encourage all of us mums, whether or not we’re aiming for gold medals or simply attempting to squeeze in a fast exercise between nappy modifications!

Keesja Gofers and daughter
Embracing the Challenges
Every of those athletes confronted distinctive challenges of their return to sports activities after giving delivery. Alyce Wooden discovered herself balancing the expectations of being each a brand new mum and an athlete. “The guilt pulling me each methods has been actual,” she’s shared, “however it’s additionally taught me the way to prioritise my time and vitality.”
Genevieve Gregson needed to overcome doubts about her capability to return to kind. “Though I say I get pleasure from a problem, it’s clearly regular to have quite a lot of doubt creep in at instances,” she’s revealed to Girls’s Well being Journal. However she discovered to belief her journey and be versatile together with her progress.


Genevieve Gregson and household
Keesja Gofers confronted the logistical challenges of coaching schedules that didn’t align with childcare hours. “If I didn’t have the unbelievable help of my husband, my mum and pa, and my husband’s dad and mom, this could not be potential for us,” she’s mentioned.
Discovering New Energy
Apparently, these mums discovered that motherhood truly enhanced their athletic performances in surprising methods. Genevieve has famous, “I believe I’m mentally stronger in a means as a result of I’ve an entire new perspective on the subject of my operating.”
Alyce found a brand new supply of motivation: “Youngsters train you that you simply don’t have to sweat the small stuff. After they’re studying to stroll they fall over a thousand instances, however rise up a thousand extra, all the time with a smile on their face and a lot willpower. That is now how I method my coaching.”


Alyce Wooden and daughter
Keesja discovered inspiration in her daughter’s willpower: “Watching T study abilities in entrance of my eyes has been one of the crucial pleasant issues I’ve skilled. The most effective half is how decided she is.”
Classes for Wholesome Mummies
Whereas we is probably not Olympic athletes, there’s a lot we are able to study from these superb mums:
- Be versatile: Some days you may not hit your private greatest, and that’s okay!
- Discover your help community: Whether or not it’s household, pals, or different mums, having help is essential.
- Take it one step at a time: Set small, achievable targets and rejoice every milestone.
- Bear in mind your ‘why’: Whether or not it’s exhibiting your youngsters the significance of perseverance or caring for your individual well being, maintain your motivation in thoughts.
- Take heed to your physique: Take relaxation once you want it, and don’t be afraid to switch your exercises.
Mums, bear in mind – whether or not you’re coaching for the Olympics or simply attempting to slot in a fast Wholesome Mummy exercise, you’re all superstars in our eyes! Let’s take inspiration from these superb ladies and keep in mind that with willpower, help, and a optimistic angle, we are able to obtain unbelievable issues.
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