In a major move to protect pregnant competitors and level the playing field, World Athletics has officially launched a new research initiative centered on pregnancy, childbirth, and the return to competition for elite female athletes. The CARES (Childbirth And Return in Elite Sport) project blends scientific study with direct feedback from competitors to reshape international sports governance.
The heart of the project relies on two global surveys open to ranked female athletes. These surveys investigate the contractual and financial pressures women face when starting a family, the logistical barriers to returning to peak performance, and practical ways to protect an athlete’s world ranking during maternity leave.
Coe and Adams Champion the Cause
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe stated that the governing body is continually seeking to make track and field more equitable, noting that the CARES project is the next logical step in eliminating structural barriers for mothers.
Valerie Adams, a mother of two and Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, highlighted how much the sports landscape has shifted over her career:
“When I started my career, you didn’t want to tell your sponsors if you got pregnant because you might get dropped. By the time I retired, we are seeing more female athletes coming back from having kids and performing at an elite level.”
Shifting the Narrative for Motherhood in Sports
The initiative highlights a growing cultural shift in professional sports regarding pregnancy. In 2019, 11-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix famously challenged Nike after the brand threatened a 70% pay cut following her pregnancy, forcing the company to guarantee maternity protections. Showing the longevity of modern athlete mothers, Felix recently announced her return from retirement to target the 2028 L.A. Olympics.
More recently, British Olympian Calli Hauger-Thackery made headlines by completing the iconic Boston Marathon in an impressive 2 hours and 43 minutes while 22 weeks pregnant. The CARES surveys will remain open until September 30, with the final data set to directly inform World Athletics’ future baseline policies.