Empowering Team USA Moms: Grants to Support Athletes at 2026 Winter Olympics

In an inspiring move that highlights the intersection of sports and motherhood, For All Mothers+, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equitable policies for mothers in athletics, has announced the launch of its “Bring the Babies” Changemaker Grants. Five remarkable Team USA moms, including Elana Meyers Taylor (bobsled), Kaillie Armbruster Humphries (bobsled), Kelly Curtis (skeleton slider), Tabitha Peterson Lovick (curling), and Tara Peterson (curling), are the first recipients of this initiative, which aims to allow mothers to bring their children to the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games set in Milano-Cortina.

The financial support, facilitated by the baby gear company Joie along with numerous individual donors, provides each athlete with $5,000. This funding is designed to bridge the gap for expenses that can often be prohibitive, such as travel, lodging, and childcare. The initiative ensures that these mothers can nurse and care for their young ones during this significant moment, allowing their families to be present during the games.

Addressing the Motherhood Penalty

This initiative not only supports the athletes but also shines a light on the broader issue known as the “Motherhood Penalty” in sports. Research conducted in 2025 through the Motherhood Penalty in Sports Survey by For All Mothers+ and Carleton University's Health and Wellness Equity Research Group has revealed stark statistics: 73% of mothering athletes reported a decline or halt in funding due to pregnancy or motherhood. Additionally, 72% of these mothers find themselves requiring additional income or employment outside of their sporting careers to support their families.

The upcoming Milano Cortina Games is set to be particularly groundbreaking in terms of gender equity, with the International Olympic Committee indicating that women will represent an impressive 47% of all competitors. This increase in representation is influenced significantly by advocacy efforts from For All Mothers+, working toward more inclusive policies, comprehensive education, and healthcare adjustments for athletes balancing parenthood and competitive sports commitments.

A Call for Change

Alysia Montaño, Founder and President of For All Mothers+, poignantly stated, “Systemic barriers should never be the reason a professional athlete can't compete.” She emphasized that the “Bring the Babies” grants directly confront the financial and logistical challenges many mothers face, which can prevent them from pursuing elite athletics.

Fellow board member Allyson Felix remarked that traditionally, professional sports have compelled mothers to compromise on their family responsibilities, suggesting that the