As much as activewear brands love to sponsor women, they backed off when women became pregnant and exhibited bodily changes. While some were terminated from the contract, some received pay cuts. This continued publicly until the maternity leave policy was announced. Unfortunately, even Olympians have fallen prey to it. America’s most celebrated athletes, Allyson Felix, Alysia Montaño, and Kara Goucher, were once sponsored by Nike. But when they achieved motherhood, Nike was less favorable to them, following which these athletes ended all ties with Nike. An investigation by ‘ The New York Times’ served as a stage for the athletes to share their stories with the world.

Allyson Felix recently opened up on her experience with Nike amid the ‘Blak Maternal Health Issue’ that led to her former teammate, Tori Bowie’s death. She also revealed how Serena Williams was an inspiration during her pregnancy.

Pregnancy turned to a threat to Felix’s career

In June 2018, the Olympian received one of the best news of her life. She was pregnant, but this scared her as it could be a bane to her career. In a Spotify podcast, ‘The School of Greatness’ hosted by Lewis Howes, Felix said, “So I’m 33. And I am still competing. We’re coming off the heels of like Serena. And I’m like, I can do this. Like, wow, I’m still, you know, racing a bit. I’m training. Eventually, I get to the point where I can’t continue to do that. And I still train in the dark. Because at this point, I don’t, I don’t have an offer on paper.”

Serena Williams just gave birth and even won her Australian Open while carrying a child. The two shared the same ethnicity and built everything out of nothing.

So Momma Smash was an obvious inspiration for a woman who is also an athlete and faced similar maternal complications to Felix. Both are vocal about their issues and advocate for maternity rights.

READ MORE: ‘Hacking So Hard That My Stiches Burst’ –32-Year-Old Olympian’s Tragedy Resurrects Haunting Serena Williams’ Pregnancy Memories Amidst America’s Looming Health Crisis

The Olympian did not think it wise to take a break from her career during pregnancy. She hoped to keep doing better and winning in the tournaments so that she could hold on to the contract that was offered to her.

Allyson Felix tried to hide pregnancy for a secure future

Nike had already decided to cut 70% of the pay as the Olympian grew old and new players emerged. But that was just a verbal statement from Nike, and the eleven Olympic medals winner was awaiting an on-paper contract. She said, “So I have a verbal 70% less, but there’s nothing on paper. And so my fear is that they find out that I’m pregnant. And then that just disappears.”

Her nightmare turned true when Nike paused its contract with her upon knowing the news. Felix tried to hide her pregnancy to secure a better future financially for her baby, but the discrimination against pregnant women turned her wishes to ashes. The thirty-seven-year-old did not give in to the injustice done to her and her teammates. That is when she decided to expose ‘Nike’ for its harsh treatment.

The seven-time gold medalist and her teammates broke her non-disclosure agreement with the sports giant. They narrated their story to the world. The effort and courage of Felix and her teammates did not go in vain. This resulted in Nike and other sports brands taking action and announcing a maternal leave policy for 18 months without any pay cuts.

WATCH THIS STORY: “It Is Very Sad”: Disturbing Details About Pregnant American Olympian’s Death Leaves Sports World Devastated

Allyson Felix and Serena Williams still remain vocal about maternal issues. They even contribute their part in improving medical facilities for mothers and babies through their charity works.