Abbie Ward, the rugby player who silences critics after becoming a mother

BarcelonaAbbie Ward is a Rugby World Cup champion with the English national team, but her path was anything but typical. The player decided to become a mother at the peak of her career and then returned to the elite level with resounding success. "Since I was little, I've been used to fighting to break through different barriers, but I realized they were glass and could be shattered. There are many people who are ambitious but lack the strength to take the leap alone. The key is to join forces to increase the energy," she says. "Determination is important. Most elite athletes have it, but since becoming a mother, my perspective has changed. Now I fight not only for myself but also for the girls, like my daughter, who come after me," she argues. Ward has become a pioneer. "There are many aspects of motherhood for female athletes that no one had regulated. I was asked if I was capable of lifting heavy objects. No one had thought about regulating these aspects from the perspective of a high-level athlete. My case led to the creation of specific protocols and regulations, as well as a support program," she explains. "Many female athletes thought that if they wanted to start a family, they had to put their careers on hold, and I tried to show that it was possible to do both. I knew I was embarking on an uncertain process, but I decided to pave the way, and I think things are different now," says Ward, who participated in the third edition of the Women's Initiative (WI), a congress organized in Barcelona by the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia (UFEC).

Ward has spearheaded a transformation that many considered impossible. "In a sport like rugby, traditionally dominated by men and very masculine, I had to overcome many obstacles. I've been playing for the English national team for ten years and I've seen the transformation of a sport that has gone from amateur to professional. In my first matches, there were only about a hundred spectators in the stands, and when we won the World Cup final, it was madness, but it didn't happen overnight. We've fought against many barriers. Sometimes it's not easy and you feel tired, but it's important not to give up. The anthem is very special. She's the oldest of the Red Roses, and it's incredible to be able to share it with her," acknowledges Ward, who hopes the title will help increase the number of fans. "Seeing so many young girls watching our matches, with their faces painted and waving flags, is incredible. It's about inspiring this generation and showing girls that they can do it; that they can be strong, powerful, and lead whatever they want," she affirms.

Three years ago, Ward came within a hair's breadth of success. When all she had to do was secure possession, England lost the ball and New Zealand won the title. "Rugby is a cruel game," she said. The player won the title, but without giving up her desire to be a mother.

"The next step is how we can help other countries and other sports create a good support network for female athletes who decide to become mothers and don't want to abandon their careers," she summarizes. Her goal was always clear: "I wanted to be the best athlete and the best mother."