Canadian curling star Jennifer Jones’ advocacy for nursing mothers has reshaped how sports accommodate athletes balancing family and competition.
A Turning Point in Curling
Canadian curling legend Jennifer Jones sparked change at the 2016 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Grande Prairie, Alberta, when she raised concerns about the lack of safe and private spaces for nursing mothers. At the time, players were told they could not breastfeed in locker rooms, leaving them to nurse in cars, stands, or nearby facilities.
The Voice Behind the Change
Although Jones was not breastfeeding then, she had lived the struggle of managing childcare while competing. Quiet by nature, she initially asked for anonymity when sharing the issue with a Winnipeg reporter. Once the story went public, organizers quickly created designated spaces for mothers — a first step toward better support in curling.
Balancing Gold Medals and Motherhood
Jones, an Olympic gold medallist and multiple-time world champion, welcomed her first child in 2012 while recovering from injury. Her return to competition required balancing intense schedules with nursing and childcare. Without dedicated spaces, she often fed her child in public, sometimes signing autographs at the same time.
Why Advocacy Was Necessary
The lack of facilities highlighted gaps in gender equity within sports. “We were lucky in curling that a lot of things were equal, but there were some things that just were never thought of,” Jones reflected in a recent interview. She pushed for solutions not just for herself, but for all mothers trying to compete at the highest level.
Progress on the International Stage
Since then, sports organizations worldwide have made strides. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, family-friendly areas were established inside venues, a sharp contrast to 2014 when Jones had to pump and deliver bottles outside the Olympic village. The 2021 Games also allowed breastfeeding mothers to bring infants, reversing initial restrictions that excluded children.
Looking Ahead
Canada has continued the momentum, with the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s offering hotel nursing spaces for travelling coaches. Experts like retired nurse Janet Fox-Beer say these changes benefit entire communities, not just athletes. For Jones, the progress is encouraging, though she admits one regret: “I wish I would have shouted it from the rooftops.”
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