The experiences of elite female athletes’ reproductive decision-making in team sports in Australia

Abstract

Elite female athletes have the unique experience of the timing of reproductive decision-making coinciding with their peak athletic careers. This qualitative study explored the experiences of elite female athletes in Australian team sports, and their reproductive decision-making. Six women (18–32 years) across four different team sports were purposively recruited and participated in an interview. Inductive thematic analysis highlighted three themes representing the experiences of elite female athletes’ reproductive decision-making: societal and cultural influences; sporting organisation structures; and career versus reproductive health and decision-making. Further, the women highlighted future aspirations regarding education, awareness, and communication. This study makes a valuable contribution to the literature by highlighting the gender-specific challenges elite female athletes encounter in their reproductive decision-making, which hinders their equitable participation in high-performance contexts. These insights call for improved policies and tailored support systems that empower elite female athletes, including the resources to balance peak reproductive years with their careers.