World Athletics has embarked on a significant new endeavour, the 'Childbirth And Return in Elite Sport' (CARES) project, designed to fundamentally reshape its approach to supporting female athletes through pregnancy and their subsequent return to competition. The governing body is actively seeking input from elite female athletes across the globe, inviting them to complete comprehensive surveys detailing their experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and the challenges of re-entering professional sport. The project also extends to athletes who have not been pregnant, aiming to gather a broad spectrum of perspectives to inform policy development.
The central objective of the CARES project is to 'protect female athletes and reduce inequities within elite athletics'. A key area of focus for World Athletics is the review of policies related to world rankings, specifically exploring how to provide adequate support and protection for athletes during periods of maternity leave. This move acknowledges the unique physical and professional demands placed on female athletes who choose to start families while pursuing their careers at the highest level.
Lord Coe, President of World Athletics, underscored the importance of this initiative, stating, 'This is the next step in ensuring athletes who experience pregnancy are protected, receive support, and do not face barriers when it comes to being able to make a return to elite athletics.' The project will specifically address professional and organisational support mechanisms, contractual arrangements, and financial considerations that impact women during and after pregnancy.
The launch of the CARES project follows increased scrutiny and advocacy for better maternity support in sport. A notable instance was the public stand taken by US sprinter Allyson Felix in 2019 against her then-sponsor, Nike. Felix revealed threats of a 70% pay cut if motherhood affected her athletic performance. This led to Nike revising its contracts three months later, guaranteeing athlete pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy, setting a precedent for improved industry standards.
British runner Calli Hauger-Thackery recently highlighted changing attitudes by completing this year's Boston Marathon at 22 weeks pregnant, finishing in two hours and 43 minutes. Hauger-Thackery's participation symbolises a growing movement to demonstrate that women can achieve high athletic goals alongside motherhood. Her sentiment, 'We can be a mother and also shoot for these crazy big goals, more than ever,' resonates with the wider drive to normalise and support pregnancy in elite sport, pushing for greater understanding and structural change within athletic organisations.