I don't know much about the WNBA. I mean, I've heard of Lisa Leslie (who my husband has been watching on the ABC show The Superstars...it's so lame but he gets a kick out of watching these ex-athletes try to strut their stuff) and Sheryl Swoopes, but that's about it. I was, however, really interested to read about the newest WNBA superstar, Candace Parker, and her recent introduction to the New Mom Club in today's NY Times.
It's rare for female athletes to have children so young in their careers. Try as I might, I can't think of another example of someone of Parker's calibre who has. No matter what the sport, the usual route is for the athlete to reach their peak and then stop to have children as a kind of retirement project.
A huge part of the reason why has to be the toll pregnancy takes on your body. There's no way a top athlete can continue their regular training regimen when their pregnant and it's so competitive that any time spent away from training can be the death knell to an otherwise promising career.
Parker is fortunate in that she is so talented that it won't take her long to get back into top form. While her absence has caused a lot of anxiety among the WNBA, I admire her decision to do things the untraditional way. It's about time we all realized that no matter what our career, there shouldn't be a set timetable to enter motherhood. It's when the time is right for you, that's all.
Welcome to the club Candace. Good Luck.
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