Spotlight On: Child Care and the 2024 Olympics

There have been many memorable moments from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Steve, the Pommel Horse guy. Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav bringing the fun as Ambassadors. Simone Biles, the GOAT. The chocolate chip muffins in the Olympic village. 

But there’s one truly game-changing moment that you may not have heard about: Child care in the Olympic village!

Female athletes have long struggled with child care and supports they need as mothers at events like the Olympic games. Nursing mothers who could bring their children were banished to small, dark rooms to feed their infants; many more were forced to leave their little ones at home. 

Olympic gold-medalist Allyson Felix saw the challenges firsthand after having her child. “It was just kind of an eye-opening experience,” she told the LA Times. “I took her everywhere that I was competing, and I kind of was surprised at how hard it was and how much you really had to shoulder on your own.”

This changed in 2024. Enter the Olympic Village Nursery. 

From CNN: “The Village Nursery, which opened last week, was launched by the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission in partnership with the IOC and Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. Allyson Felix, a US track star and member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, was a strong voice in the project, which is sponsored by the US child care brand Pampers.

“Athletes can book private or shared appointments at the facility, in the heart of the Village Plaza, which accommodates up to six family members. Here, they have access to private spaces for breastfeeding, a family lounge for playtime and a changing station.”

Soccer star Christie Pearce (formerly Rampone), underscored how important this was, both as a mother and a competitor. “This space allows parents to interact in a stress-free environment. This will allow athletes to focus on their performances rather than worrying about how to find quality time to provide for their children.”

This is something we hear from all working parents, not just Olympic superstars. When families can find and afford quality child care, parents have the peace of mind they need to focus on work. Employers and coworkers can rely on a more stable workforce. And little ones have safe, nurturing environments where they can grow, learn, and develop.