World champion surfer Jessica Hartfield is gearing up for a new adventure: motherhood. As she prepares for the 2024 Olympics, she knows this will be her last competition for a while, as she and her husband are eager to start a family right after the games conclude.
“I am more than just a competitive surfer,” she shares. “I’m a sister, a daughter, a friend, and hopefully, one day, a mother. Building a family is incredibly important and meaningful to me.” While she embraces this new chapter in her life and career, she admits to feeling a bit anxious about the transition.
“I’ve had to reflect on my identity and take a leap into the unknown,” she explains. “Many of my male friends on the tour have already started their families, so this is a significant decision for me.”
Jessica began her surfing journey at age five with her father in Hawaii and quickly made her mark by winning competitions by age eleven. By eighteen, she became the youngest person to earn a world surfing title. Now at thirty-one, she hopes her break from competitive surfing will help her reconnect with her passion for the sport, which she views as a lifestyle rather than just a competition. “I want to continue surfing until I’m old and gray, and I dream of sharing that experience with my future children,” she adds.
As she prepares for the upcoming Olympics, Jessica recognizes that this experience will be different from her last. After a year-long delay for the 2020 Olympics, she won the inaugural Olympic gold medal in surfing at a beach near Tokyo. This time, while the rest of Team USA heads to France, Jessica and her fellow competitors will be off to the stunning Teahupo’o in Tahiti, known for its massive waves.
“I’m sure this will hit me hard, but I’m genuinely excited,” she says, reflecting on the journey ahead.
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Additionally, for parents looking for the best carriers for their little ones, check out our review of the 8 best baby carriers tested by parents. If you’re curious about in vitro fertilization, the Mayo Clinic provides authoritative information on the procedure.
For those preparing for pregnancy, we recommend reading our guide on maintaining a healthy pregnancy for essential tips and resources.
To Summarize:
Jessica Hartfield, a world champion surfer, is taking a break after the Paris Olympics to start a family. Emphasizing her identity beyond surfing, she looks forward to this new chapter with some apprehension but also great excitement. Resources for those considering family planning include sperm donor matching, at-home insemination options, and informative articles on baby carriers and IVF.