Olympic gold medalist Natalie Spooner opens up about how becoming a mother has reshaped her approach to health, the importance of research for female athletes, and practical tips for prioritizing wellness amid life’s demands.
Motherhood has added a new layer to your life both personally and professionally. How has becoming a mother influenced your understanding of physical and mental health, particularly in balancing elite sports with family life?
I think having Rory has brought a lot of perspective to my life and allowed me to better balance life and sport. No matter how the game goes, or how I play, Rory will always be excited to see me post-game and that has allowed me to get over things a lot quicker and turn my focus to being mom. Motherhood has also really allowed me to be more present when things feel too busy. I try my best to be the most present wherever I am. If I’m at the rink, I’m all in at the rink, working my hardest. If I’m doing a speaking engagement or at an event, I am there doing my best. And when I’m home, I am trying to be the best mom I can be in that moment. Every day’s best can change but I always do the best I can do at that time.
Women athletes often face unique health challenges that can be overlooked. What changes would you like to see in how female athletes are supported in their health and wellness journeys?
I think there’s a lack of research done on female athletes returning to sport post pregnancy. Each sport is so different, and each pregnancy has its own challenges, therefore are approached a bit differently. I would love to see more studies, and more female athletes sharing their journeys. I was grateful to have friends and teammates that had gone through pregnancy and returned to hockey, but what I experienced was much different than what they did.
In your career, what have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned about maintaining physical health and resilience as a female athlete?
Maintaining physical health and resilience all has to do with having a positive attitude and a belief that I can get through whatever is thrown at me. Sometimes that is just getting in a workout when you are dead tired and sometimes it is getting through injuries. Now being a mom, I want to be a good role model for my son, Rory and I want him to know that you can overcome whatever obstacles you are faced with.
Many women, whether athletes or not, face challenges in prioritizing their health amid life’s demands. What are some practical ways you incorporate self-care into your routine, and how can women, in general, feel empowered to do the same in their daily lives? I understand how it can be hard to prioritize.
Being a mom there is so much to always get done. I find having a schedule and scheduling in some workout time, self-care time or recovery time works well for me. If there is a day that will be extra busy I will either wake up early before Rory is up, or after he has gone to bed. It’s really about prioritizing yourself and realizing that some things can wait.
