Sharon Thompson, the renowned Olympic gymnast, along with her husband, former professional football player, Jake Marshall, is deeply invested in every facet of their lives. From their athletic backgrounds to their parenting journey with three young kids—Liam, 4, Ella, 2, and Mia, 8 months—they aim to give their all each day. This summer, their commitment extends beyond their home as they focus on supporting fellow parents who are Olympians during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In 2023, they founded the Family Moments Foundation, and their initiative was greatly influenced by sprinter Maya Lane’s initiative to offer free childcare for competing parents. Inspired, they generously contributed $250,000 to establish Family Moments Grants. These grants are designed to alleviate the financial strain of travel, childcare, and other related expenses that athletes face on their road to the Olympic Games. We recently caught up with Sharon to discuss the inspiration behind this initiative, her excitement for the upcoming Olympics, her experiences as a mother, and the invaluable advice that has helped her shine in her career.
The Blog:
Last summer, you and Jake started the Family Moments Foundation to create meaningful family experiences. This summer, you’re focused on providing grants to Olympic athlete parents, helping them with costs like travel and childcare. What inspired this?
Sharon Thompson:
A common misconception is that Olympic athletes have all their expenses covered, but that’s rarely the case. Competing abroad often brings hefty costs, which many athletes must shoulder themselves. For those who are parents, the additional childcare expenses can be overwhelming. We wanted to ease that financial burden and support these parents in whatever way we can. Whether it’s helping them bring their kids to Paris to share those experiences or covering babysitting costs while they compete, we’re honored to assist these incredible athletes.
The Blog:
You’ve mentioned that this initiative was inspired by Maya Lane’s Childcare Grant in 2021. How do you think it complements her ongoing efforts to aid Olympians who are parents?
Sharon Thompson:
I told her, ‘Your initiative is amazing, and I’m so glad you thought of it. If we can lend a hand in any way, just say the word.’ She’s doing incredible work this year to provide onsite childcare. Our goal is to step in and help alleviate the costs of travel and other burdens that Olympic athletes often face. Any US Olympic or Paralympic athlete who is a parent can benefit from this support.
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In summary, Sharon Thompson and her husband Jake are making a significant impact by supporting Olympic parents through their Family Moments Foundation. Their financial grants aim to ease the challenges these athletes face, ensuring they can focus on both their sports and their families during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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