USA soccer player Alex Morgan leaves for the Tokyo Olympics in a week's time but says she is still unsure whether eased coronavirus restrictions for nursing mothers will allow her to bring her one-year-old daughter with her.
Some athletes have complained that they are being forced to choose between the Games and their young children but organisers did state that "when necessary, nursing children will be able to accompany athletes to Japan".
Organisers have barred family members of athletes from attending the Games due to Covid-19 safety protocols, while foreign spectators have been excluded and limits will be placed on domestic crowds.
"Still not sure what 'when necessary' even means. Is that determined by the mother or the IOC (International Olympic Committee)?" Morgan tweeted.
Morgan's USA team mate Megan Rapinoe echoed her comments.
"IOC is having a shocker here," Rapinoe tweeted. "If a mother/father/parent says it’s necessary, it’s NECESSARY!"
Canadian basketball player Kim Gaucher previously said she was being forced to decide between "being a breastfeeding mom or an Olympic athlete" because she cannot bring her three-month-old daughter to Tokyo.
American long-distance runner Aliphine Tuliamuk had also complained about the issue, saying she "cannot imagine" going to the Games without her breastfeeding daughter.
The Tokyo Olympics, delayed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin on 23 July.
Still not sure what "when necessary" even means. Is that determined by the mother or the IOC? We are Olympic mothers telling you, it is NECESSARY. I have not been contacted about being able to bring my daughter with me to Japan and we leave in 7 days. #Tokyo2020 #USWNT #TeamUSA https://t.co/cNGMt8w0Ss
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) June 30, 2021
