Female athletes at the pinnacle of their careers face significant challenges when they decide to start a family. Triathlete Vicky Holland, who returned to competition after giving birth in January 2023, highlights the struggles many women encounter. Despite her successful comeback, winning the European triathlon championship at 38, Holland emphasizes that not all athletes receive adequate support from their governing bodies. Through conversations with fellow athletes, she discovered that some women feel compelled to retire if they wish to have children, an issue that remains prevalent across various sports.

The disparities in support for athlete mothers are stark. Holland, part of a supportive network of athlete mothers initiated by GB hockey player Jo Pinner, notes that while some sports organizations offer robust assistance, others lag behind. This group, comprising 17 members from Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, serves as a platform for sharing experiences and advice. Holland's advocacy for better policies is driven by her belief that elite athletes should not have to choose between pursuing their careers and starting a family. UK Sport has introduced enhanced guidelines to provide better support for pregnant athletes, including advice on fertility, diet, and breastfeeding. However, the implementation of these guidelines varies widely across different sports.

Holland’s own experience underscores the need for policy changes. After childbirth, she found herself ranked outside the top 200, having previously been among the world’s top 15 triathletes. Rebuilding her ranking required extensive effort and numerous races. Recognizing this challenge, World Triathlon has implemented a policy allowing female athletes to freeze their rankings during pregnancy until their child is two years old. British Triathlon also offers a deferral policy for up to two years for age-group competitors. These measures aim to ensure that women can return to competition without losing the progress they made before becoming mothers. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more inclusive environment where female athletes can pursue both their athletic ambitions and family life without compromise.