Pursuing Motherhood and Medals

It’s a topic where intransigence is the norm. Whether a woman is a high performance coach or an athlete, the prevailing attitude claims that she cannot possibly continue her pursuit of excellence when she becomes a mother. Of the growing numbers of girls and women engaged in high performance sport, inevitably some continue to compete well into their child-bearing years. While the numbers of women coaches at that level is much smaller (too small, we would claim), far too often they are forced to choose between profession and parenthood. Institutionally, there simply isn’t the support that makes doing both possible and palatable.

Success stories are slowly emerging, creating role models and showing what can happen when the commitment is strong. However, if we accept that women coaches and athletes are essential to a strong, vibrant, and progressive sport system, it follows that policies and programs should harmonize their high aspirations with the desire to raise children. It behooves our institutions, notably Sport Canada and national sport organizations, to recognize women coaches and athletes as essential components of Canadian sport and to work to create a much more welcoming and supportive environment. If this happens, we will all be the richer.

“Pursuing Motherhood and Medals” tells how one athlete and one coach, both at the highest levels of sport, manage their dual roles, largely through their own initiative. The article spells out the challenges and cites examples, notably in the corporate world, where growing numbers of employers are taking important steps to accommodate women who choose to combine working with motherhood. Corporations are moving in this direction because they are recognizing the value women bring to their marketplace. It is a sad fact that our sport world lags far behind. The Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching urges Canada’s sport leaders to take the necessary steps to address this issue—and to do so quickly. All it takes is the will. — Sheila Robertson

The views expressed in the articles of the Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching are those of the authors and do not reflect the policies of the Coaching Association of Canada.