How Motherhood Shapes Athlete Stories: A Deep Dive into Media Narratives

In recent times, as stories about athlete mothers gain traction in the media, researchers are delving into these reports to understand better how society views motherhood in sports. This study takes a unique approach by examining the experiences of Canadian athletes like boxer Mandy Bujold and basketball player Kim Gaucher, who faced discrimination due to their motherhood status on their journey to the 2020 Tokyo Games. Through a careful analysis of 103 media stories, researchers identified three common themes: last shots, forced to choose, and more than us. These themes highlight the challenges athlete mothers face due to sexism and discrimination. The theme 'more than us' showcased their resolve to compete and spark social change, reflecting maternal activism. All these themes underlined the need for better rights and awareness regarding athlete maternity, suggesting a need for feminist reform and a post-pandemic recovery plan.