Nia Ali celebrates winning gold in the Women's 100 metres hurdles final at the 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 on Oct. 6, 2019 in Doha, Qatar.
Winning an Olympic medal is no easy feat. Just ask four-time Olympian Erin Hamlin, who became the first American to medal in luge singles with a bronze in Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014.
But as much as training took a toll on her body, she thinks pregnancy is “arguably the most impressive physical feat” she thinks she’ll ever go through. The 33-year-old, who is 28 weeks pregnant with her first child, continued, “I may not be preparing for a shot at the podium anymore, but that need and desire to prioritize an active lifestyle — a necessity for a healthy pregnancy and baby — shouldn’t be held back.”
Nike, who became famous for prioritizing an active lifestyle with their impressive roster of activewear, has added a dedicated maternity line that comes out this month. The Nike (M) Collection launched September 17 and includes four essentials every expecting and active parent (pre and post baby) needs: a supportive sports bra and pullover (with access for nursing moms), and stretchy tanks and tights. More than 75 percent of the pieces were made with recycled polyester, proof positive that Nike continues to be committed to material sustainability.
In determining what design features would be important throughout all stages of pregnancy and beyond, Nike combed through more than 150,000 scans of pregnant women against non-pregnant women. Additionally they asked for input on the fit, feel and function from dozens of female athletes who were expecting at the time, or postpartum.
