From training and competing to prepping bottles and changing diapers, some Olympians at the Paris Games balance many responsibilities—as both athletes and parents. At this year’s Olympic Games, organizers provided some help for those athletes.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Paris organizers set up what may be the first ever Olympic Village nursery. The nursery is part of the group’s commitment to supporting parent-athletes. The site allows competitors to be closer to their children and spend quality time with them during the Games.
Organizers say the space is meant “to reunite competing moms and dads with their children.” What’s more, it will provide “more complimentary services and products to athletes than ever before at the Olympic and Paralympic Village”—thanks to an IOC partner that sells diapers.
The IOC doesn’t compile data on how many parents will be competing in Paris. But officials say it “was seeing good interest in the nursery” ahead of the event.
The provision is welcome news for parent-athletes. COVID-19 restrictions at the Tokyo Olympics meant family members weren’t allowed to accompany competitors. Canadian basketball player Kim Gaucher complained that the IOC was making athletes choose between the Games and their children.
American Allyson Felix is an 11-time Olympic medalist and mother. Now retired, the track and field athlete often celebrated victories with her children. She told CBS that the nursery represents a “shift in culture” and a move in “the right direction.”
Celebrating and welcoming children and families is commendable. Jesus set the example. He always gladly received children. He told His disciples to “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them.” (Matthew 19:14)
Among the Olympians who may use the new nursery in Paris are double sculls rowers Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors. The pair of New Zealanders are in the same boat in Paris—the literal boat and the figurative one. Both have young children.
Francis and Spoors count on their parents and husbands to help care for their kids during the Games. Now they also have a nursery option to keep everyone close.
Both are looking forward to competing—and seeing their kids after a long day. Francis says, “You sort of just realize how much of a privilege it is to be able to represent your country and bring your kids along for the ride.”
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. — Psalm 127:3