Pregnant Women Competing in the Olympics: Empowering Stories of Resilience and Strength

The Paris Olympics 2024 marked a historic breakthrough with an equal number of male and female athletes competing. We witnessed an inspiring surge of new mothers earning medals and expectant athletes pushing the limits of what’s possible, proving that strength and determination know no bounds. As Dr. Kathryn Ackerman of the U.S. Olympic Committee notes, “Women are dispelling the myth that you can’t exercise at a high level when you’re pregnant.”   

Competing for Two: Expectant Athletes Shattering Boundaries

Today, more elite athletes than ever are competing while pregnant and returning to their sports afterward. However, competing during pregnancy is not a new phenomenon. Throughout Olympic history, remarkable women have taken to the field while expecting, demonstrating extraordinary strength and resilience. These athletes break through physical limits and challenge outdated views on pregnancy and sports performance. Discover the inspiring stories of 10 pregnant Olympians who have made history with their incredible determination and power. 

Inspiring Examples of Pregnant Olympians throughout the History 

Magda Julin (SWE, 1920)

The Swedish figure skater won gold while three months pregnant. Her achievement set a precedent for future generations of female athletes, showing that pregnancy does not limit one's ability to excel in sports. 

Juni Roslays Stover Irwing (US, 1952)

This American diver was not only the first to compete in four Olympics. She also participated in the 1952 Helsinki Games while 3,5 months pregnant with her second child. Making a splash with her pregnant belly, she secured a bronze medal that year. 

Khatuna Lorig (EUN, 1992)

Competing for the Unified Team of the Sovjet Union in Barcelona in 1992, this four-month pregnant archerer hit the bullseye and brought home a bronze medal. In an article with Huffington Post she states that finding the balance between being a mom, coach, and an Olympic athlete is not easy. “You somehow get through,” she said. “You learn. You learn how to deal with it and you just keep going.”. Talk about a mom-to-be with laser focus!  

Lisa Brown Miller (USA, 1998)

The United States hockey team would each rub Lisa’s two months pregnant belly for good luck before the games in the ninety-eight Winter Olympics. It seemed to have worked, because they brought a gold medal home.  

Cornelia Pfohl (GER, 2000)

In Sydney 2000, the German archer rocked the bullseye scene while two months pregnant, snagging a bronze medal. Fast forward to Athens 2004, and guess what? Pfohl was back at it, this time seven months pregnant! Experience a double dose of Olympic spirit—she's not just reaching targets, she's breaking barriers! 

Anky van Grunsven (NED, 2004)

This Dutch dressage rider not only conquered the Athens Olympics but did it while five months pregnant. She didn't just win gold; she also holds the record for most medals won by an equestrian athlete. Showing the world that pregnancy doesn't have to slow down your stride when it comes to athletic greatness. 

Kateřina Emmons (CZE, 2008)

The Czech shooter competed in Beijing while one month pregnant. As for her performance, she won a gold medal and a silver medal, and even set a new Olympic record. Did someone say super mom-to-be? 

Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi (MAL, 2012)

Talking about hot shots, this Malaysian shooter was a whopping eight (!) months pregnant when she competed at London 2012. "Most people said I was crazy and selfish because they think I am jeopardizing my baby’s health," said Taibi. "My husband said grab it as this is a rare chance which may not come again. Also, I am the mother. I know what I can do. I am a stubborn person." 

Martina Valcepina (ITA, 2014)

In the Sochi Games, the short-track speed-skater wasn't just skating for glory - she was also carrying not one, but two little future champions! Only one month into her twin pregnancy, she breezed through the ice and clinched a shiny bronze medal. 

Diana Reyes (PUR, 2016)

Just days before competing in Rio 2016, the Puerto Rican volleyball player got some unexpected news: she was pregnant! The revelation came after a hospital stay following a car crash. Despite being four months along, Reyes stepped onto the Olympic stage, showing the world that nothing—not even surprise pregnancies—can block her spike! 

Read more: Six Inspiring Stories of Athletes Balancing Parenthood and Olympic Dreams 

At Najell, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between doing the things you love and being a parent. These women are a true inspiration, paving the way for future generations of female athletes. Ensuring that pregnancy is seen as a phase of strength and potential rather than a limitation.