How top-level athletes are rewriting pregnancy in sport narrative and forcing governing bodies into action

Abbie Ward, Naomi Osaka and Sophia Popov’s empowering pregnancy messages open fresh discussion on maternity policies, while Charley Davison’s inspiring story shows anything is possible when it comes to motherhood and elite sport

The empowering messages from Abbie Ward and Naomi Osaka are changing the narrative around pregnancy in sport (PA/AP Photo/Getty)

If 2022 was the year women’s sport hit unprecedented heights, 2023 is shaping up to be the one where elite sportswomen, in full flight of their careers, are changing the notion of waiting until the final embers of their profession or retirement before starting a family.

Already, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, Rugby World Cup finalist Abbie Ward and 2020 AIG Women’s Open champion Sophia Popov have all announced they are expecting a baby later this year. READ MORE