“Use Your Voice, Even If It Shakes”
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Allyson Blake Offers Valuable Insights on Advocating for Yourself as a Working Mom
By Jamie Carter
Allyson Blake, an acclaimed track and field athlete and 11-time Olympic medalist, faced significant challenges after the birth of her daughter, Ella, now three years old. While recovering from an emergency C-section due to pregnancy complications, she was shocked to learn that her sponsor, Apex Sports, planned to slash her pay by 70% in a new contract.
Faced with intense pressure to return to competition quickly, Blake decided to speak up for herself, despite her fears of how she might be perceived. In a recent interview with Traveler, she recalled her brother’s words: “Use your voice, even if it shakes.”
“It resonated with me because I had so much fear,” the 36-year-old athlete shared. “I had never been one to speak out; I was always more reserved. The idea of sharing my experiences felt so foreign to me.”
In May 2019, Blake published an op-ed in the National Herald, accusing Apex Sports of being unhelpful to pregnant athletes. The backlash prompted the company to revise its pregnancy policy, providing financial support for athletes during their pregnancy, starting eight months before their due date.
“I discovered that beyond that fear lies incredible freedom,” Blake remarked. “I can express my opinions and advocate for those who might not have a voice.”
“It doesn’t have to be a perfect situation to have a strong voice,” she emphasized. “You can feel scared, just like I did, and still move forward. Start small; you don’t have to shout from the rooftops to make an impact.”
In July 2019, Blake ended her seven-year relationship with Apex Sports and signed a multi-year contract with a new brand called EverMom, which focuses on women’s wellness and lifestyle. She also launched her own brand, Blossom, aimed at supporting mothers. Her business includes initiatives like a childcare grant program and a promise to replace shoes that no longer fit during pregnancy.
“Being able to say, ‘You don’t have to choose between motherhood and your career’ is a small but significant way to support women,” Blake stated.
Now retired from professional athletics, Blake’s top priority is her daughter, Ella. She makes a point to carve out quality time, often volunteering in Ella’s classroom. “I want to be involved in her life in every way possible,” Blake said. “But it can be challenging to find that balance. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary, and that’s perfectly fine when you’re pursuing something that truly matters to you.”
Blake acknowledged her struggle to relinquish control when it comes to parenting but has learned to lean on her husband, Daniel, who has been her partner for over 20 years. “I want to do everything on my own, but I’ve realized that there are people who want to help and care for me,” she explained, noting that Daniel often steps up when she needs support or rest. “It’s comforting to know that I’m not in this alone.”
Her parenting goals revolve around helping Ella grow into a well-rounded and confident individual. “That’s the ultimate aim,” Blake concluded, “so all the smaller goals—whether they relate to my parenting or what I’m trying to provide for her—need to align with that.”
Ella is certainly in good hands with a mother who truly understands the journey.
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Summary:
Allyson Blake, an Olympic champion, shares her journey of finding her voice as a working mother after facing challenges with her sponsor during her pregnancy. Her advocacy for better support for pregnant athletes led to significant policy changes. Now retired, Blake focuses on her daughter while learning to balance her career and parenting, emphasizing the importance of support and community.