Nine American athletes are breaking barriers at the upcoming Milan Games, proving that elite athleticism and motherhood are not mutually exclusive. These women, competing in sports ranging from ice hockey to bobsled, are redefining what it means to be a “hockey mom” or a high-performance athlete. Their presence highlights a growing trend: women refusing to pause their athletic careers after having children, and instead, leveraging motherhood as a source of motivation.
Redefining Athletic Dedication
Kendall Coyne Schofield, a four-time Olympian in ice hockey, embodies this shift. Welcoming her son in 2023, she made it clear that motherhood wouldn’t halt her career: “I never wanted [my son] to think he was the reason I would stop playing hockey… He’s the reason that I continue to play.” This sentiment is echoed by Brenna Huckaby, a Paralympic snowboarder, who emphasizes the power of children witnessing their parents’ ambition firsthand. “They get to actually see ‘Oh, Mom is doing this for a reason.’”
The athletes also challenge societal expectations. The conventional image of a “hockey mom” as a spectator is being replaced by women actively competing at the highest level, with their children cheering them on.
Balancing Act: Motivation and Sacrifice
For these athletes, motherhood isn’t just a side note; it’s a driving force. Elana Meyers Taylor, a decorated bobsledder, acknowledges the difficult balance: “Every moment I’m on the ice is a moment that I’m not with them. So I have to make it worth it.” This sentiment isn’t unique. Kaillie Humphries, another bobsled champion, believes motherhood unlocks a new level of strength: “Mom strength is a whole new level, and I’m hoping that’ll be perfect timing for the 2026 Olympics.”
This balance extends to navigating practical challenges. Athletes like Oyuna Uranchimeg (curling) see their athletic pursuits as setting an example for their children, demonstrating the value of goal-setting and perseverance. Meanwhile, Laura Dwyer (wheelchair curling) balances training with the pride of having a son serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and another playing college football.
Sisterhood and Support
The presence of multiple mothers on Team USA fosters a supportive network. Tara and Tabitha Peterson (curling) exemplify this, as sisters and teammates who share the experience of juggling motherhood with elite competition. Kelly Curtis (skeleton slider), who welcomed her baby in 2023, credits this community for making the transition smoother: “I feel like I’m getting into motherhood at the best time in my sport… There’s still some ways to go, but I think because we have this network of other athletes that are all doing this while at the top level of their sport, it just makes it all the more enjoyable.”
These athletes’ journeys demonstrate a cultural shift in sports. They prove that women don’t need to choose between motherhood and athletic achievement. Instead, they can thrive in both roles, redefining what it means to be a champion—on and off the field.
