Does anyone know a woman who was able to swim at their top form after she had a child? In running, Marion Jones was able to come back in international form after giving birth. I was just wondering if swimmers are able to do this yet. This woman doesn't have to be an Internationally ranked swimmer as well.
I was thinking about this after a girl I knew was going to go under 5 minutes in the 500 free but she got pregnant in high school and she never got back to her top form. Where else could I ask this question than the USMS discussion board.
Parents
Former Member
Susan Williams won the bronze this summer in Athens in women's triathlon. I don't know how many children she has, but I know she's a mother.
I think the barrier for women competing again on an elite level is more due to time and energy restrictions on training than any physiological barrier. From reading articles on Susan, I understand that she had to spend significant amounts of time away from family for training...for example, months of training camp time in the year leading up to the Olympics. Most women can't or aren't willing to do this for an extended period of time, except perhaps for a one-time special opportunity like Susan had to go to the Olympics.
Susan Williams won the bronze this summer in Athens in women's triathlon. I don't know how many children she has, but I know she's a mother.
I think the barrier for women competing again on an elite level is more due to time and energy restrictions on training than any physiological barrier. From reading articles on Susan, I understand that she had to spend significant amounts of time away from family for training...for example, months of training camp time in the year leading up to the Olympics. Most women can't or aren't willing to do this for an extended period of time, except perhaps for a one-time special opportunity like Susan had to go to the Olympics.
