Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
World Athletics has launched the Childbirth And Return in Elite Sport (CARES) project, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and the return to elite athletics from the athlete's perspective. The initiative combines scientific research with policy development to generate evidence supporting female athletes and reducing inequities within elite athletics.
The CARES project includes two surveys. The first is for elite female athletes who experienced pregnancy on or after 1 January 2019, regardless of childbirth outcome. It collects data on pregnancy, childbirth, return to sport, perceived barriers, organisational support, contractual and financial aspects, and possible support for world rankings during maternity leave. This survey is supported by a retrospective analysis of World Athletics performance data.
The second survey targets elite female athletes without pregnancy experience and examines their perceptions of organisational support, maternity-related governance, and potential ranking-policy mechanisms.
According to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, the project aims to ensure that athletes experiencing pregnancy are protected, supported, and not hindered in returning to elite athletics. The project is athlete-driven, and responses from the surveys and performance data analysis are essential for shaping future actions.
World Athletics Athletes’ Commission Chair Valerie Adams highlighted the importance of research and dialogue about being a mother and a professional athlete. She noted that earlier in her career pregnancy could jeopardize sponsorship, but now there is increasing visibility of female athletes returning to elite performance after childbirth. The CARES project aims to further support and inspire this trend.