US Olympian Missy Franklin Strongly Advocates Against Dilemma Between Motherhood and Athletic Glory

Missy Franklin doesn’t want any comparisons between being a mother and pursuing sports. While it is a common dilemma for female athletes to choose between motherhood and career, the 5x Olympic Gold medalist thinks otherwise. The 28-year-old American swimmer opened up about how balancing both aspects of life makes an athlete stronger from within.

Franklin also explored various realms and points in her life during her recent interview, further demonstrating her greatness. Arguably one of the best women swimmers of modern times, Franklin said she loved to be around kids. Citing her own example of being a mother, Franklin has made a strong point on how fragile the social pressure of choosing either of the two is. 

Missy Franklin proud to be an Olympic gold medalist mother

Missy Franklin recently sat down with Sky Sports and poured her heart out about motherhood, mental health, and more. Being asked about a choice of being a mother and pursuing sports as a career, Franklin stated, “I do not think as woman that we should have to choose between a family and becoming a mother and our sport and our career…you can have a family you can have children and you can come back stronger than ever.” 

Citing her own example when she gave birth to her daughter, Sarah Caitlin Johnson, Franklin stated it was the best experience in her life. She went on to say that her daughter was her whole world and she enjoyed raising her daughter more than anything else. The 5x Olympic gold medalist also pointed out that a woman can be both a mother as well as a professional athlete.

To quote Missy Franklin, “There’s no right way to do life there’s no right way to be a woman.” In the interview, Franklin also reflected on issues related to mental health struggles and emphasized the importance of seeking help. She even gave an instance from her own life as an example. 

Opening up about mental struggles 

Speaking about her experience building up to her second Olympics, Franklin stated that it was not fun. While in her debut Olympics, the 28-year-old had no pressure as such, people had huge expectations when she appeared for her second stint. Such a huge pressure made Franklin “stop swimming out of love and start swimming out of fear of disappointing people.” 

Read More: US Swimming Legend Missy Franklin Spends 27th Birthday With Young Fans

Franklin also stated that every athlete, after achieving success, has to go through such an experience. Thus, seeking professional help is of utmost necessity. She concluded by stating that admitting to mental health issues does not make a person look weak instead, it is a sign of courage. 

Continue to Read: “You Don’t Understand How Hurtful It Is”: Simone Biles and Mikaela Shiffrin Open Up About the Painful Realities of Being an Olympian