The World Athletics project aims to ‘protect and support’ pregnant athletes

World Athletics is asking every elite female athlete to help develop rules for pregnancy, childbirth and return to competition.

The governing body has launched a new study it says can inform and improve its policies – and help better protect and support female athletes.

It is asking current and previous contestants Complete survey, outsider Questioning their pregnancy and subsequent return to sport, as well as those who did not become pregnant.

World Athletics said it wanted to “protect female athletes and reduce disparities in elite athletics” and was looking for ways to support the world rankings during maternity leave.

The organisation’s president, Lord Coe, said: “This is the next step in ensuring that athletes who have experienced pregnancy are protected, supported and do not face barriers in being able to return to elite athletics.”

The Childbirth and Return to Elite Sport (CARES) project will aim to assist women with barriers, professional and organizational support and contractual and financial considerations.

Sprinter Alison Felix – who won 11 Olympic medals – battled her then-sponsor, Nike, over maternity pay in 2019, revealing Nike’s threat to cut her salary by 70% if motherhood affected her future athletic performance.

Three months later, Nike changed its stance and new contracts guaranteed an athlete salary and bonuses for 18 months surrounding pregnancy.

British runner Kelly Hagar-Thackery finished this year’s Boston Marathon in two hours and 43 minutes while 22 weeks pregnant.

Hagar-contractor Believes attitudes are changing and wants to show women “can do both”.

“It means a lot to me. We get to be a mom and shoot for these crazy big goals, more than ever. It definitely doesn’t scare me from any goals,” she said.

“I think, if anything, it will push me to show my son what’s possible. I think it makes more sense to me, and I’m honored and excited to be a part of that space.”

The 2027 World Athletics Championships will be held in Beijing in September.