Achi news desk-
US Olympic hurdler Christina Clemons sent several emails to those in the track community raising concerns about a gap in health care insurance coverage for new mothers who still wanted to compete.
Those baby steps turned into big steps as USA Track & Field unveiled a program Thursday that expands an existing maternity support system to give athletes more time to work their way back. It’s one less obstacle for women in the sport who want to start a family in the middle of their careers.
For Clemons, it’s a way to help carry the baton and follow in the footsteps of Allyson Felix and others who have been advocating for equality for mothers on and off the track.
“There’s a huge lack of support in sports in general when it comes to moms, which is crazy to me,” said Clemons, 33, who gave birth to her son, Kylo, on February 4, 2023, and is trying to the US team for this summer’s Paris Games. “This program (by USATF) really fills a gap and comes in and saves the day. You don’t feel as much pressure to perform at a time when you really can’t – not a year after pregnancy.”
Under the current system, a Team USA athlete can get help through the Elite Athlete Health Insurance established by the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee. It provides cover for one year after the end of pregnancy, with the caveat that an athlete still expects to compete. There is also an athlete’s salary.
The new USATF plan increases the timeframe to give an athlete more opportunity to recover and more opportunities to re-qualify for their funding, which is based on results and rankings through a tiered system that needs to be achieved by a certain date. To qualify for tier status, an athlete must meet certain criteria such as being a medalist or finalist in the most recent major competition (Olympic or world Championships) or finishing in the top 15 in the world rankings. Other levels, too, are based on performance.
This season, USATF’s expanded policy includes six athletes, with funding part of the organization’s general budget. It reimburses COBRA health care premiums, along with providing additional support through UDATF high performance programs.
“For us, it’s a pretty simple solution — and an important one,” said Renee Chube Washington, USATF’s chief operating officer. “It’s stressful being a new mum or dad. … If we can help relieve some of that stress, we can and we will.”
For so long, women in track and field encountered the same kind of message – getting pregnant and facing obstacles. Through the actions of some of the sport’s best runners such as Felix, Kara Goucher and Alysia Montano over the years, more light is being shed on the subject. They successfully lobbied for more protections over endorsement deal terms.
Clemons wants to help pave the way, too.
“It’s extremely important because these changes that we as mothers are making will change the prospects that women have as mothers while still competing,” said Clemons, who won a silver medal in the 60 meters over the hurdles at the world indoor championships 2018. “Many women wait until after they finish their careers to become mothers because of the fear of not being supported. We shouldn’t have to put our lives on hold when men don’t have to.”
In addition, USATF is exploring ways to provide childcare options at major events for parent athletes.
“It’s all part of a holistic approach to helping our athletes,” Washington said. “It’s part of the secret sauce that makes the difference to get us on the podium, which is where we want to be.”
For Clemons, the new health insurance policy became a game changer.
Clemons competed until she was 2 1/2 months pregnant, with her final race at the 2022 US outdoor championships in June. She didn’t officially return to training until last October, which didn’t give her the chance to qualify for tiered benefits by the September deadline. She sent email after email to officials to voice her concerns.
The new program gives her a grace period to get tier status. Clemons made the US squad for the world indoor championships last month, advancing to the semifinals in the hurdles. But it wasn’t until a race two weeks ago that she really felt back, matching a personal best time.
“What USATF did to correct this gap is huge for moms,” said Clemons, who is preparing for the US Olympic trials in June in an effort to earn a ticket to Paris. “I’m very appreciative.
“I have the support I need behind me. I really feel like I will make this team and I will come home with a medal.”
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)
