First Olympics nursery is a step forward, athletes say, but much remains to do

Just outside the perimeter of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Village was a special room where athletes with young children could care for their babies. The room had chairs and spaces for breastfeeding mothers. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, athletes’ children were not allowed in the village, making it difficult for athletes to visit them. Some athletes were forced to leave their infants at home. However, the Paris 2024 Olympics introduced the first nursery for parent athletes, providing private spaces for breastfeeding, a family lounge, and a changing station. The initiative aims to support athletes in balancing parenthood and their careers.