BASHO TALK -- Natsu 2017 -- SPOILERS

[Shatsume]

14 minutes ago, lackmaker said:

Does this mean the same effect on mothers as well as fathers?

It was a looong time ago that I read them, think it was only fathers as mothers would not have been competing for several months before giving birth and tended to not compete afterwards for a while too. Although I have a feeling you are being sarcastic ;)

I would be interested to see the analysis for mothers returning to competition too though, if such a thing has ever been done.

 

Edited May 30, 2017 by Shatsume
thoughts

[orandashoho]

There have been several Dutch woman athletes who returned to the top level in their sport after childbirth (not immediately, obviously) and competed in national/European/world championships and the Olympics.

A recent scientific study investigated the aspects related to a return to sports at top level after childbirth. Because the number of successful top athletes is limited not enough statistical data could be collected for definite conclusions other than that a return to sport at the top level is possible. Ten of the twelve woman athletes partaking in the study had a successful return to the top level. Their experiences were noted, including how they felt about competing as a mother. 

The study ought to be required reading for any young woman competing in sport on a top level, because many factors that make a return most difficult, like organizing the support needed at home and in training, can be influenced by the mother, and knowing the experiences of others is useful.

[lackmaker]

I vaguely recollect that there was thought to be physiological advantages to distance runners after giving birth(not immediately of course). Liz McColgan was a successful example.

[Shatsume]

Kim Clijsters won back to back US opens not long after her first born. Very intesresting stuff, but I feel we are getting off topic...