Editor’s note: This is part of a series that will highlight the 2021 Olympics with a special focus on health and wellness.
July 23, 2021 – As thousands of athletes now compete in the COVID-19 challenged Tokyo Olympics, about a dozen who represent Team USA have one more award: They are mothers.
From US soccer star Alex Morgan to US basketball player Skylar Diggins-Smith, these women reached the peak of their careers by qualifying for this ultimate sporting event.
One of the biggest stars of the dozen, Foluke Gunderson, a member of the women’s volleyball team and mother of Olukayode Ayodele, born in 2019, chatted with us just days before traveling to Tokyo for her stay at the Games.
While this is the third time she has competed in the Olympics, this is her first as a mother. Read on as Gunderson shares a behind-the-scenes look at her training regimen, about the “Mama Jongle” and her dream of the team winning their first gold medal.
How are you feeling right now with the games just around the corner?
“I’m very excited about what’s to come. Our team has put a lot of work into both on and off the pitch. We used COVID-19 as an opportunity to get closer as a team with our Zoom calls and monthly meetings. Back then it didn’t feel like much was being done, but this summer it all came together – getting to know each other, the same mission, and ultimately selflessness changed the culture of our team. “
These games must feel different now that you are a mom. What is your favorite thing to do with your son?
“He loves going to the park and his love language is reading books, so he loves telling stories. In May I went to a 5 week tournament. When I came back his language had grown so much. He waved and said, ‘Hello, mom.’ I think it’s important to share that it’s easy to define yourself about what’s going on on the pitch when in reality we’re so much more than volleyball players. I love coming home and letting go and pouring my love into him. I will do a lot of FaceTimes from Tokyo! “
What is it like to train for the Olympics?
“I’ll take today as an example. We started at 8:30 a.m., lifted for an hour and a half, and then practiced for about 3 hours. After that we had meetings. We usually lift three times a week. Yesterday we started the day at 7am, so the schedule varies from day to day, but it’s always intense. “
What do you always do to take care of yourself?
“One thing I always do is I hydrate. I also need rest for myself. Even if it’s 10 to 15 minutes, that kind of self-care and a little time for myself makes me good for everyone else. If I don’t get this downtime, I feel overwhelmed. “
Being a top athlete is hard enough. Being a mother makes it a real juggling experience. How does it work?
“I think there is no way we can do what we, as mothers and athletes, do without a support system. My husband is my rock. I couldn’t do this without him. When I’m on the road, he takes care of our son during training (and also does his MBA). For this to work, you have to have a trunk behind you. “
You have had an incredible career. What advice do you have for anyone looking to make their dreams come true?
“I always recommend setting small goals. It is difficult to look so far into the distance or to have the big task ahead of you. Instead, I like to break down a goal into the steps I need to take to achieve that goal. Ultimately, it’s this belief and the idea that if you put something on your mind, nothing should get in your way. Dreams require sacrifice, hard work, and belief in yourself. “
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Foluke Gunderson, member of the US women’s volleyball team.
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