As an Olympic bobsledder, I have always been driven by my passion for the sport and the thrill of competing on the world stage. But as I look towards the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, my motivation has taken on a whole new meaning. I am not just an athlete, but also a new mom, and the journey to get here has been anything but easy.
In 2019, my husband and I made the decision to start a family. We were both excited and ready for this new chapter in our lives. However, after months of trying, we were faced with the harsh reality that we were struggling with infertility. As a professional athlete, I am used to pushing through challenges and overcoming obstacles, but this was a whole different ball game.
After consulting with doctors and exploring our options, we made the difficult decision to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). It was a physically and emotionally taxing process, but we were determined to do whatever it takes to start our family. And finally, after multiple rounds of IVF, we were blessed with the news that we were expecting our first child.
As I continued to train for the upcoming Winter Games, I also had to navigate the physical changes and challenges that come with pregnancy. But with the support of my coaches, teammates, and medical team, I was able to adapt my training and continue to stay in top shape. I was determined to not let my pregnancy slow me down or take away from my goal of competing in the 2026 Olympics.
In May of 2020, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Becoming a mother has been the most incredible and fulfilling experience of my life. But as any new parent knows, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing motherhood and training for the Olympics has been a juggling act, but I am grateful for the support system I have in place.
As I look ahead to the 2026 Winter Games, I am filled with a sense of determination and pride. I am not just representing my country and my sport, but also showing my daughter that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard for it. I am also proud to be a part of a growing number of female athletes who are breaking barriers and showing that motherhood and sports can go hand in hand.
But beyond my personal journey, I am also excited about the impact this can have on the conversation around fertility and motherhood in the world of sports. As athletes, we are often seen as superhuman and expected to perform at the highest level without any distractions. But the reality is, we are human and we face the same challenges and struggles as anyone else. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire and empower other women who may be going through a similar journey.
As I continue to train and prepare for the 2026 Winter Games, I am reminded every day of the incredible journey I have been on. From struggling with infertility to becoming a new mom, I have faced challenges that I never thought I would have to face. But through it all, I have learned that anything is possible with determination, perseverance, and a strong support system.
So as I head into the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, I am not just an Olympic bobsledder, but also a proud mother. And I am ready to show the world that being a mom has only made me stronger and more determined to achieve my dreams. I hope to inspire other women to never give up on their dreams, no matter what challenges they may face along the way. And I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me, both as an athlete and a mother.
