Can I get faster, stronger after childbirth?

We've been making a lot of progress supporting mom athletes through pregnancy, postpartum and returning to sport, thanks to organizations like @forallmothers+ and great trainers, pelvic pts and medical support teams and more research. But every once in a while it feels like we are taking a step back. Brands dropping an athlete like Emma Bates (one of the top american marathoners) because she announces she is pregnant?!

Did we not learn from Paula Radcliffe, Sara Hall, Stephanie Bruce, Kara Goucher, Allyson Felix, Elana Meyers Taylor, Keira D'Amato?

MOTHERHOOD does NOT equal decreased performance

In 2017 Nike Dropped Allyson Felix due to pregnancy. She went on to win bronze in the 400m at the next Olympics. I was able to interview Allyson later after training with her postpartum. She gives great insight into her journey here.

Elana Meyers Taylor, mom of 2, just won gold in monobob at the 2026 Winter Olympics at her 5th! Olympic appearance and 6x medal winner now! She is the most-decorated winter olympic athlete and black female athlete. At age 41, she posted THE fastest start on her final sled run. Achieving top speed, strength and power among her competitiors. Now...who is the oldest winter Olympic athlete to win gold? Yep...a mom! Elana also chats about her postpartum journey here.

Kendall Coyne Schofield, was one of several moms on the hockey team that won gold this year at the Olympics.

At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, there were at least 32 mothers among 160 women in the field (professional and sub-elite). One poll found that 37 out of 150 fastest female marathoners in history gave birth DURING their careers. 26 of the 37 women ran their personal bests AFTER childbirth, averaging 2:22 for the marathon. European Journal of Sport Science 

Moms that have won or finished top 10 at major marathons? Paula Radcliffe, Kara Goucher, Betsy Saina, Keira D'Amato, Sara Hall, Sara Vaughn, Makenna Myler, Stephanie Bruce, Kellyn Taylor, Aliphine Tuliamuk, Edna Kiplagat, Malindi Elmore..just to name a few.

Also a former client, Steeplechaser Marisa Howard won bronze at the Olympic Trials in 2024 after having her first child, qualifying for the Olympics. She has now given birth to baby #2 and training again for 2028 Olympics.

Mom athletes have always been capable...they just need the support through athletic career

which often times includes motherhood. Brands that see the value in supporting mom athletes will have a huge fan base and PR for their brand. Yes..they may not perform at the top during that chapter..but if you believe in the athlete, and have promising performances, they have the potential to perform well post childbirth.

56% of elite female athletes improved their race times after pregnancy 

These stats will continue to increase as more mom athletes are supported throughout their career. Shout out to the brands, organizations, trainers, leagues, PTs, researchers, coaches, medical teams, caregivers and family that are out there supporting mom athletes helping continue their athletic career as far as they can.

-Celeste

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For consult or training help through pregnancy, see the training page. Celeste also has self-paced PreCORE/ReCORE online programming available through pregnancy and postpartum return to sport.