Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum as an Olympic Athlete

May 28, 2026
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Shannon Rowbury is a three-time Olympian, medalist, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and creator of Medalist Mindset™. After competing at the highest level in track and field, she navigated pregnancy and postpartum during a time when professional athletes had very little support or guidance around motherhood.

This conversation explores staying active during pregnancy, pelvic health physical therapy, postpartum recovery, and the pressure many mothers feel to “bounce back” too quickly. Shannon also shares how a sacral stress fracture after returning to elite-level training shaped her understanding of healing, body awareness, and long-term recovery.

Shannon’s story offers encouragement for athletes, active mothers, and anyone preparing for birth and postpartum. Her experience highlights the importance of education, support, and trusting your body through every stage of motherhood.

Pregnancy as a Professional Athlete

Shannon became pregnant with her first child in 2018 after already competing in three Olympic Games. She quickly realized how little medically researched and accessible information existed about exercising safely during pregnancy as a professional athlete.

Wanting guidance she could trust, Shannon connected with Jessica Dorrington, a physical therapist certified in orthopedics and pelvic health. Through their work together, she learned how to better understand the physical changes happening in her body and felt empowered to remain active throughout pregnancy.

Preparing for Birth and Recovery

Throughout pregnancy, Shannon focused on staying strong while adapting her training and movement to support her changing body. Having individualized support helped her feel more confident physically and mentally as she prepared for birth and postpartum recovery.

She also became more aware of how important pelvic floor health, recovery, and gradual progression are during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Those lessons would become even more meaningful after giving birth.

Postpartum Challenges

After her baby was born, the expectations of her professional running contract created pressure to return to full-time training quickly. While trying to balance recovery, motherhood, and elite athletics, Shannon ultimately suffered a sacral stress fracture postpartum.

The injury became a turning point in how she viewed recovery and support for mothers returning to activity. It also highlighted the lack of comprehensive postpartum resources available to women, especially athletes.

Creating Strong as a Mother

Shannon and Jessica later partnered to create Strong as a Mother: Your Complete Pregnancy-to-Postpartum Health Program. Together, they developed the resource they wished had existed during Shannon’s pregnancy and postpartum experience.

Their goal is to help mothers feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate pregnancy, recovery, pelvic health, and returning to activity after birth. Shannon hopes her story encourages women to prioritize healing and trust their own timelines.

Resources Mentioned

Books & Programs

Providers & Services

Jessica Dorrington — A physical therapist certified in orthopedics and pelvic health who helped Shannon stay active during pregnancy and recover postpartum.

Topics Discussed

Pelvic health physical therapy — Shannon shares how pelvic floor support and education helped her better understand the physical changes of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Sacral stress fracture recovery — Shannon discusses the challenges of returning to elite-level training too quickly after birth and what she learned from postpartum injury recovery.