Washington, DC – Olympic hurdler Christina Clemons played a significant role in advocating for a new health care insurance program for athletes, particularly new mothers returning to competition. Clemons raised concerns within the track community regarding the gap in health care coverage for women who desired to continue competing after giving birth.
Her efforts led to the unveiling of a program by USA Track & Field that expands maternity support to assist athletes in reintegrating into competition post-pregnancy. The initiative aims to alleviate the pressure on female athletes who wish to start a family while pursuing their careers in sports, aligning with the advocacy of athletes like Allyson Felix for equality for mothers in athletics.
Clemons, who welcomed her son in February 2023 and is aiming to qualify for the Paris Games this summer, emphasized the lack of support for mothers in sports and the importance of the new program in addressing this gap. The current Elite Athlete Health Insurance provided by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee only covers athletes for one year after pregnancy, assuming they plan to compete, but the new USATF plan extends the timeframe for recovery and funding qualification.
The expanded policy by USATF includes financial support for six athletes this season and reimburses COBRA health care premiums while also offering additional assistance through high-performance programs. The move aims to provide athletes with necessary resources and support to navigate the challenges of juggling parenthood with professional sports.
Moreover, the program reflects a broader shift in track and field towards supporting female athletes in all aspects of their careers, including advocating for better protections and resources for mothers in the sport. USATF is also exploring options to provide childcare at major events for athlete-parents, further demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach in supporting athletes.
For Clemons, the new health insurance policy signifies a critical development in her journey back to competition after giving birth, granting her the opportunity to regain tier status and work towards her goal of competing at the highest level. The program has been instrumental in easing the stress and challenges faced by mothers in sports, allowing athletes like Clemons to focus on their performance and aspirations on the track.