Parents Shine at the Paris 2024 Olympics

As the world watches the thrilling Paris 2024 Olympics unfold, a special group of athletes deserves extra tribute: the parents. These remarkable individuals are skillfully juggling the intense demands of elite sports with the delightful chaos and challenges of parenthood. Here's a look at some of these inspiring parents making waves at the current Olympics. 

Six Inspiring Stories of Athletes Balancing Parenthood and Olympic Dreams 

Yaylagul Ramazanova: Hitting the Mark While Expecting 

Azerbaijani archer Yaylagul Ramazanova captured the world's attention as she competed at the Paris Olympics while six-and-a-half-months pregnant. At 35, Ramazanova balanced the precision of archery with the excitement and challenges of impending motherhood. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself aiming an arrow, accompanied by a touching quote: "I felt my baby kick me before I shot this last arrow and then I shot a 10." 

Tom Daley: Diving Back into the Olympics and Makes a Splash as a New Dad 

British diver Tom Daley is back at the Olympics after a brief break from the sport to embrace fatherhood and support his family. He made a splash, securing a silver medal in synchronized diving for Team GB. Daley’s son Phoenix was eager to follow in his dad’s footsteps, making a splash of his own during the celebration. He added a playful twist during a post-medal TV interview by tossing a juice cup at his dad.  

“Phoenix did throw his juice cup at me. I’ll have to give it back to him at some point. It nearly took out one of the reporters. It was really nice to have him there and share that.” - Tom commented on the unexpected event.

Balancing his roles as an elite athlete and a devoted dad, Daley's journey to Paris is fueled by his passion for diving and the inspiration of being a role model for his children. 

“I’m so proud to have been able to decide to come back after two years of (retirement),” Daley said in an interview with NBC News. “I think most of that was being able to set an example to my kids that if you have a dream and you work really hard, it doesn’t mean that you’re always going to be able to achieve exactly what you want to but it’s about enjoying the process and doing what you can to show up, to be the best person that you can be,” Daley said. 

Clarisse Agbégnénou: Capturing Bronze and Hearts as a Mom on Home Turf 

French judoka and previous Olympic medalist Agbégnénou has become a national hero for breaking taboos about motherhood in elite sport, and her journey from new mom to Olympic medalist has captivated audiences worldwide. She famously brought her baby daughter Athéna to training sessions, pausing for quick feeds and gently cradling her baby in the folds of her kimono. Her status as a national hero was further cemented when she was chosen to hold the Olympic torch on the Eiffel Tower as part of the Olympic torch relay on July 15, 2024.  

Now, she has once again captured the hearts of her nation, this time by clinching the bronze medal in the under-63kg category on Tuesday at the Paris Olympics. In a heartwarming moment, she celebrated by holding up her daughter Athéna, as the adoring home crowd went wild. 

“I want women athletes who follow me to feel free and legitimate, to break codes to change mentalities and change the rules. We can have a life as a woman and mother as well as champion at the same time,” she told Le Parisien before competing in Paris. 

Amber Rutter: Shooting for Silver While Embracing Parenthood 

Amber Rutter, the British shooting sensation, secured a silver medal in skeet shooting at the Paris Olympics, just three months after giving birth to her first child, Tommy. This remarkable achievement showcases her exceptional skill in balancing elite competition with the joys and challenges of becoming a parent. Known for her laser-sharp focus and unyielding determination, Rutter has proven that Olympic glory and parenthood can go hand in hand. 

“I hope we can share the message with other mums how important it is that your life doesn’t stop after having a baby,” Amber said in an interview. “Whatever your passion is, your life doesn’t have to stop."

Mahboubeh Barbari Zharfi: A Single Mom's Olympic Dream Realized 

Mahboubeh Barbari Zharfi, a 32-year-old single mother and refugee, has realized her Olympic dream by making her debut at the Paris 2024 Games as one of six judokas in the Refugee Olympic Team. Escaping conflict in her homeland, she's hurdled every obstacle to chase her dream of representing her new country on the world stage.  Juggling motherhood and rigorous training, Zharfi's journey isn't just about medals—it's a testament to grit, determination, and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds. Despite Zharfi's brief Olympic debut - losing in 39 seconds in her individual match and not getting a chance to compete in the mixed team event - her presence at the Games stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance and hope. 

"I want to prove one thing: even if you are a single mother and a refugee, you can achieve your goal and your biggest dream.” she told Olympics.com before the competitions. “For my daughter, I want to be a person to look up to." 

Lauren Rowles: Championing Inclusion and Going for Gold as a New Mom 

British rowing sensation Lauren Rowles is making waves in Paris, competing while embarking on the wild adventure of parenthood with her partner Jude Hamer, also a Paralympian.  

With two Paralympic golds already under her belt from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Rowles is gunning for a hat-trick in the trunk-arms mixed double sculls. But her ambitions stretch beyond the water - she's determined to champion diversity and inclusion on the global stage. When she's not crushing it in the boat or changing diapers, Lauren also channels her passion into supporting queer young people as a proud patron of Just Like Us, a charity dedicated to brightening the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. As she races towards another potential gold, Rowles is proving that Olympic glory, parenthood, and fighting for inclusion can all row in perfect harmony. 

“The kid’s going to be brought up with two disabled mums and we’re just really looking forward to it,” Rowles said in an interview. “We want to bring a young person into the world who knows that diversity is cool, difference is cool.” 

As we tune in to watch the Olympics, let's keep an eye on these incredible new parents. These athletes are not just competing for medals; they are competing to show their children, and the world, that you don’t have to choose between following your passions and being a parent.