As I stand here today, reflecting on the creation of the first-ever nursery in the Olympic Village, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This moment represents a significant step forward, not just for me, but for all athlete moms striving to balance their careers and motherhood. Partnering with Pampers to bring this nursery to life is a dream realized, one that is deeply personal and profoundly important.
When I became a mother in 2018, it was a transformative yet challenging time. At 32 weeks pregnant, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition that required an emergency C-section. My daughter, Camryn, was born prematurely and spent her first month in the neonatal intensive care unit. Navigating the demands of being a new mother while preparing to return to competition was incredibly difficult. The lack of support for athlete moms became glaringly evident to me during this period.
Returning to the track for the Tokyo Olympics with my daughter in tow, I encountered numerous hurdles I hadn’t anticipated. From washing bottles in hotel rooms to finding a safe space to nurse in stadiums, the challenges were numerous and often overwhelming. It was through these experiences that I realized how vital it is to create supportive environments for mothers. This realization became a driving force behind my work with Saysh.
At Saysh, we believe that women deserve better. This conviction extends beyond the shoes we design to the communities we build and the initiatives we support. The creation of the Olympic Village nursery is a testament to our commitment to making meaningful changes for women. It’s a space where athlete moms can find some normalcy, bond with their babies, and enjoy the comforts of home amid the chaos of competition. This nursery is more than just a facility; it’s a sanctuary that acknowledges and supports the unique needs of mothers.
Building Saysh was born out of a similar desire to challenge the status quo. After experiencing firsthand the lack of consideration for women’s needs in the footwear industry, my brother Wes and I set out to create shoes that truly cater to women. Our designs are based on the unique anatomy of women’s feet, rejecting the outdated “shrink it and pink it” approach. We wanted to ensure that every woman who wears Saysh feels seen, supported, and empowered.
My advocacy for maternal health and support for athlete moms is deeply intertwined with my work at Saysh. Just as we aim to revolutionize women’s footwear, we are equally committed to fostering environments where women can thrive in every aspect of their lives. The nursery at the Olympic Village is a step towards a more inclusive and supportive world for mothers. It’s about showing that pregnancy and motherhood do not have to mark the end of a woman’s career. Instead, they can coexist with excellence and achievement.
As we look to the future, my hope is that initiatives like this nursery become the norm, not the exception. I envision a world where women are fully supported in their roles as mothers and professionals, where they don’t have to choose between their families and their careers. This is the change we are striving for at Saysh, and it is a mission that will continue to guide us in all we do.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we are creating a better world for women, one step at a time.
In solidarity and hope,
Allyson
