What Nike Told Me When I Wanted to Have a Baby | NYT Opinion

Being a mother and a champion was a crazy dream. But it didn’t have to be. Olympic runner Alysia Montano had accomplished all her dreams but one: being a mom. When she finally went for it, she faced her biggest challenge yet - her sponsors.
When Montano approached her sponsor to announce her pregnancy, they told her that they would just pause her contract. She famously ran a national championship and eight months pregnant to prove that pregnant women could compete. Now, she’s speaking out so that no one has to suffer like she did.
Read more: nyti.ms/2vSfYCT
Subscribe: bit.ly/U8Ys7n
More from The New York Times Video: nytimes.com/video
----------
Whether it's reporting on conflicts abroad and political divisions at home, or covering the latest style trends and scientific developments, New York Times video journalists provide a revealing and unforgettable view of the world. It's all the news that's fit to watch.

[@nytimes]

After we published this video , another Nike athlete is speaking out. Allyson Felix has been one of Nike's most marketed athletes, but they won't give her maternity protections. This is her story: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l33OZq2kj9Gdiqs

[@ACS402010]

@EveryDay Exactly. She's not an employee of Nike's. They're not at all obligated to do anything beyond pay her for her sponsorships. What is it with women and their damned sense of entitlement?

[@karelp5358]

They want to sign up a contract that has maternity rights. I wondered if she can sign a contract in a European country or in Canada and not in the country that treats women like trash during maternity and a health system that you can go bankrupt? This is not a Nike or sports problem. If you were a woman engineer in the USA, it would be the same problem. And she is not special just for being famous.

[@malissafarrish]

I’m expecting millions of pro-lifers to stand loud and proud for maximum maternity protections. I’ll wait...

[@j.alejandroguizarrobles1469]

Look for Ellin Johansson from Sweden in Taekwondo, she's struggling with the same situation.

[@marcusburgess4448]

@ACS402010 @EveryDay Forget the sponsorships for a moment and look bigger picture on this matter. Alysia Montana is more than a runner. She is a person just like you, me and everyone else and therefore NIKE and ASICS should go above and beyond in treating her like such. Alysia Montana is not just some business transaction. She, again, is a person and she should be looked out for as such. Maternity leave and healthcare should be provided for professional women athletes and working women period.

[@thebirthofjackie8491]

nike clearly doesn’t care about women

[@superdude1408]

For Nike male and female are the same. They ignore all biological differences that make men better in certain sports. So they force women into being what they are not - men. Nike treats women like lesser/weak men.

[@yukiharu9726]

There's another video in NYT about a female runner. Her coaches (Nike as well) told her to keep losing weight and it ruined her. I dont know what is up with Nike with ruining this talented people

[@hammydammy123]

Or kids. They make 6 year olds work in their sweatshops to make the shoes athletes are wearing.

[@NiaGameZ]

@@yukiharu9726 When I was finished with that video this popped uo in my recommend

[@maddoxcindy5017]

TheBirthOfJackie i wouldn’t say they don’t care about women. I’d say they only care about profit and try to minimise the probability of stuff that stands in their way, and sadly this means they don’t wanna listen to women at all

[@4WingedAngels]

“Stop treating our pregnancies like injuries.” Love this!

[@MNZGamin]

FourWingedAngels cause running a 5k with a kid is smart and definitely not something a trained medical professional would highly advise against

[@minilex3185]

Menzy A lot of people exercise intensely, even with their baby. Their body is now built to sustain them and their child. It’s not like she is NOW getting into it. And it’s very good to do since it helps with the bodily changes that happens while pregnant and what happens after birth. If she and other athletes can do it, plenty of others can.

[@bat8046]

@@MNZGamin I'm sure she consulted her doctor.

[@bubbles6853]

@@MNZGamin no, but she had to have the last word even if it meant harming the baby. Principles above the wellbeing of her kid. Sure, when you're athletic you're likely to handle the pregnancy well enough but you never know what it can do to your body so the pregnancy really could be an "injury". She got lucky but a lot of women have difficult pregnancies and actual problems for the rest of their lives caused by pregnancy. Nike is a business and you're making a bad business choice when putting your athletic abilities in jeopardy with pregnancy. Pregnancy DOES affect the body, health and the ability to perform. You cannot deny it.

[@acatwithinternet5635]

@@bubbles6853 fetuses are more durable than you think. In the military woman still run, while pregnant. It all depends on the fitness of the woman. If they're already an athlete, then it's ok for them to run, because they're conditioned for it. No harm will come if they're use to it already.

[@ceilingfan4260]

Bruh if dunkin donuts can pay their mother employees while they're on maternal leave, I think Nike can spare a few bucks

[@tvs9978]

But if she's on contract, is she legally an employee? I think that's where the distinction is

[@SavvySchmidt]

Dunkin could become a sponsor...

[@missgrimm6807]

Dd does not. I worked there as a head baker.

[@LaSophiaMichael]

@Lacey Rowe you think maternity leave is a vacation?!?

[@haresmahmood]

@Lacey Rowe I don't think you understand the concept of motherhood

[@youknow8966]

Her entire journey sounds so painful. Like what? She had multiple children, tore her abs, trained like there was no tomorrow, and took the time to be a mother. I think she's super-human. Honestly. The average person couldn't do what she's done.

[@sebulbathx]

She managed it really well though hats off for that! But I can't get out of my head people complaining doing their passion and have a job thousands or millions would ever dream of.

[@jilpok1074]

All at the same time with the uncertainty of losing your job and health insurance in the most critical time in your life. How tf is she supposed to have $ for paying the hospital bill when they cut her pay?! That’s just cruel and nasty. I’m glad it has been a long time since I’ve ever bought anything Nike.

[@jilpok1074]

@@sebulbathx wow. You make it sound like she had it all handed to her because any time a black ow man accomplishes anything, then it must be because it was handed to her. She is clearly a hard working determined person perhaps you could spare her from YOUR self entitled complaints and learn something.

[@sebulbathx]

@@jilpok1074 People who get into the sports industry knows the "rules" of it very well. It is far from the regular 9 to 5 job in terms of benefits etc. And it can't be compared to a regular job in any way. The sports industry is only about performance and results, simple. I still think complaining about this or that is ridiculous when you have your dream job and a job millions of others would just dream of.

[@jilpok1074]

@@sebulbathx That’s like saying you just got a job during apartheid as a black person and you get abused and we have Karen here going “you knew the rules”. And the only reason they have a dream job in this field is because they worked super hard for it. You would not say it’s privilege to be go to law school or any other graduate degree even though for many people that IS their dream job. You are only saying that because you look down on athletes, you assume they are uneducated and should settle for handouts and get treated as if all their hard work is “just a hobby”. That’s how women engineers get treated when they go to school. We get treated like what men do for a full career is just some silly hobby for us. And that’s what is at this root of this you are sexist and racist and you WANT these institutions to stay that way.

[@AI-tc8fv]

She ran a race at 8 months pregnant and I try my hardest not have too much water in my stomach when I run

[@shesosweet2781]

Lmao

[@kevinberger3501]

You'd think a superwoman like that would be good for sponsorship.

[@maiasmith3996]

Running a race at 8 months pregnant is probably dangerous for the baby...

[@TraceTrace25]

@@maiasmith3996 It's not dangerous, specifically if you're already in shape and workout regularly. I'm sure she contacted her OB

[@samanthamedina962]

@@maiasmith3996 Since the mother was already use to that sort of physical activity it's actually pretty safe for the baby. The problems occur if you suddenly try to start running races or getting into shape well pregnant if you weren't previously physically fit

[@evanraymond8728]

CEO Nike forgot that he came to the world by his mother

[@paleexercise8314]

Nor did he care. Oh he does care about the $

[@amazinggrace9675]

It would be worse if the CEO was a woman...

[@paleexercise8314]

@@amazinggrace9675 and why do you say that?!

[@amazinggrace9675]

...because a woman should know better.

[@paleexercise8314]

@@amazinggrace9675 I'm confused so this situation would be worse if the CEO was a women? Why? I don't think this would have even been a situation if the CEO was a woman.

[@maruparra1963]

When Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer, he was switching teams and found himself without health insurance, Nike added him to their company’s health insurance plan, why would they do that and not support a woman during pregnancy???

[@Pleunpleun]

USA is such a weird country...

[@rubenvanspankeren905]

Because pregnancy is avoidable, cancer just happends

[@jaminwaite3867]

Ruben Van Spankeren cancer isn’t necessarily unavoidable...avoiding carcinogins is just one thing

[@Mouchy3800]

@@rubenvanspankeren905 THANK YOUU, atleast 1 person with a brain

[@kyraf5065]

@@rubenvanspankeren905 it’s not always avoidable tho.

[@margaretpeterman8010]

hit really hard. “we’re the ones who show our daughters the difference between dreams and advertising” she is such an incredible woman. i never thought of it that way and i won’t be supporting nike any longer

[@trendkiller6611]

I won't be supporting anyone who has biological children.

[@dday9433]

"How about when you tell my daughter she can achieve anything... YOU BACK IT UP." wow.

[@AtarahDerek]

Even if all she wants to achieve is existing...back it up!

[@AtarahDerek]

@@FIDESCALLE Supporting motherhood is affirmative action?

[@jlawson30]

@@AtarahDerek no one can achieve anything its crappy markeing slogan ,, its a lie. With God we can achieve alot. with support.. the problem becomes her arrangement or marriage to nike is financial one. haveing pregnate racer is bad for the business model and they are a for profit company isnt always your friend r God. that s why your supposed to read contracts.. ideally father hood and marriage supports mother hood.. I dont think nike agreed to that.. they want to sell shoes..

[@sheilamorris1423]

If the sponsors were smart, they would have used Montano‘s pregnancy as another angle to promote their products.

[@helenasatire5848]

And if something bad happened to her baby, they would be blamed...

[@brownskie1317]

It's risky

[@deerhaven3350]

Agree...I'm already boycotting Nike for their treatment of female athletes. It's DEPLORABLE.

[@changedname_8970]

Sheila Morris very true

[@qjtvaddict]

Kathy Come look at their bodies they are way healthier than most women yes they’re going to have healthier pregnancies

[@myotiswii]

I knew that athletes are insanely good. But winning national championship six month after pregnancy?! Whoa

[@myotiswii]

@Picolas Cage Nah. I mean that I didn't think humans could be that good to be able to perform well that fast after pregnancy. I was always scared that pregnancy would make me weaker for life, but I guess not. The comment wasn't really about the topic of the video. Of course there should be proper pregnancy protection (including after pregnancy). It is still cool that she managed to perform well that quickly, but there shouldn't be a force to do so.

[@bagelbagel6518]

IMAGINE 👏 CARRYING 👏 AN 👏 EXTRA 👏 30 👏 TO 👏 40 👏 POUNDS 👏 WHILE 👏 PROFESSIONALLY 👏 RUNNING 👏 AND 👏 WINNING 👏

[@wow1983]

She is an absolute legend, if I were Nike I'd make her an even bigger celebrity showing how powerful women are even when they are pregnant

[@joshuaantony1975]

@@wow1983 It was a health risk. It's only logical that Nike cuts the contract. Normal women pass out while pregnant sometimes. So of course they would see it as risky if she was being competitive while pregnant.

[@brishtisamaddar8179]

@@joshuaantony1975 well it depends on the woman herself. She trains regularly. She knows her body and her abilities. She had a healthy baby. Yes risks are there but she knew about them before running that race. She did what she did.

[@joshuaantony1975]

Most babies are only 11 pounds lmao

[@joshuaantony1975]

@@brishtisamaddar8179 Yea for sure. But only she knows. Nike doesn't. So it is reasonable for her to cancel their contract

[@reynaldk6816]

Just do it!* *Terms and conditions apply

[@izzojunior]

GOAT comment 😂😂😂😂👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@vivekvinay4084]

You said It🤣🤣🤣

[@mentuemhet]

Just did it!*

[@ziintle]

Actually!

[@madeofnapalm]

Pure internet gold...

[@ritam2025]

Her story would've been such a successful message and campaign for Nike. They missed out!

[@rofidganteng1]

yeah nike missed big WOMEN EMPOWEREMENT opportunity, can u imagine if they do it, milions feminist, Lgbt, progresive, left wing will buy Nike product.

[@Sofiaode18]

I know right? Could've been a great PR move for them if they had decided to support her.

[@knthyn2871]

Nike's PR Department must be in hot water now 🤣🤣

[@ThomasJScharmann]

Because those in corporate board rooms have little real vision.

[@rd4454]

Rita M I think Ck was a great choice.

[@gjorski9714]

I love how she's standing, eight months pregnant, next to another competitor with washboard abs. Way to go ma'am, respect.

[@danetcaymo]

She can make a brand specifically for women and i would BUY it.

[@tetestoes5188]

@@ratmatat LOL

[@MaddieMaddocks]

Same.

[@karolinakuc4783]

​@@ratmatatwhy tho? Women have different designs for boots than men. And it is an excuse to make them less durable. So run in your vintage Rebook they will survive even in the hardest terrain.

[@riverrebel1]

Nike really dropped the ball letting this athlete get away

[@daniella8400]

Riv & Reb for sure!

[@nhzsk7236]

How old is she again? Is she #1? Was She EVER #1? No.. No.. No... Yeah... they will be ok. Thx try again.

[@4knewt505]

She could take this beyond a trend for pregnant women to continue a strong healthy lifestyle. This would propel women to not look at pregnancy as dehabilitatating but to get stronger. The amount of women that would buy more sneakers and move could be revolutionary.

[@henzsol6771]

@@arcaeio9008 yup. Wins contribute to popularity, but it's the popularity that sells the product.

[@happinesscanbefound]

@@nhzsk7236 ι

[@deadtoy5360]

Ironic how Nike was a goddess, and they don't support women.

[@natasjakoorsen5017]

Dead Toy yesssssss!!!!!!! 👏🏻

[@BabyGirl-yq3fs]

I don’t get it? What do you mean by the said the were a goddess was it run by men or not? I’m very confused

[@BabyGirl-yq3fs]

Saja Soliman OMG thx soo much I was soo confused

[@cazprescott9]

This should be the top/pinned comment.

[@reshmamarkan1857]

She meant that Nike is an Ancient Greek goddess. She controls competition and winners, basically.

[@chefpeanut6214]

She’s cheating, she’s playing on 2 player mode.

[@stephcurry8725]

lol

[@sagespills3159]

💀

[@zapazap]

🤣

[@yukadiangelo]

how are you so clever

[@bgos4727]

Hahahhaha

[@blurryface9910]

This was powerful. This woman is insane (in the awesome way) for not only racing while pregnant, but WINNING!

[@denimchicken104]

She’s definitely incredible, but she didn’t win lol.

[@jonperkins4460]

“Stop treating our pregnancy like an injury”, That’s a good line right there...

[@agirlwithdreams15]

Jon Perkins the overmedicalization of pregnancy and childbirth is real

[@deflandre8286]

This is huge statement.

[@dwighthayes4738]

I'm inclined to agree.

[@themichellechronicles5139]

This ones a toughy. I had two c-sections and I realize that that is not the norm, but I was definitely injured after that. Pregnancy and childbirth in and of itself is not an injury but sometimes you can get injured by them. I especially agree though that women should be protected during pregnancy and afterwards just in case they do get hurt during childbirth and can't come back as fast as they want to.

[@valentinliedtke5024]

@@agirlwithdreams15 What? Are you telling me that we should let babies and mothers die because we dont need so many checkups and such?

[@avaholman9381]

Bruh imagine losing a race to an eight month pregnant woman

[@theempire00]

Ava Holman lolol

[@monquel122]

You gotta retire... You GOT too!

[@ronaldgladson8946]

I'd have mad respect for that woman.

[@PhuongVO-mf1er]

She's a strong, proud woman. I wouldn't look down on myself losing to her. Instead look at her as inspiration.

[@hareemamir8995]

She was running with power of two

[@pns5013]

She looks so beautiful with that yellow flower in her hair!

[@marquizz2005]

This is so unbelieavable and heartbreaking!!! This woman is a goddess!!! Thank you for sharing your story Alysia Montano!

[@suazileneferreira7695]

*Alysia:* "I want to have a baby!" *Nike:* "JUST DO I--... I mean... hold up! Don't do it!"

[@solypoly23]

LOL💀

[@YTD07]

😂

[@daleskac4483]

Nike was thinking of the overcrowded world

[@belleshear5483]

I came to the comments section just to find someone who'd say that 😂

[@DadraGreathouse]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Natmitch08]

I love how she politely and eloquently told Nike off! lol

[@sassyest8292]

So much class!

[@ariannareardon6055]

dark chocolate for that white boy naw mean!

[@fearlessgalaxies4286]

Bruh. Never buying Nike clothing, shoes, bags, anything AGAIN

[@geechen1025]

It baffles me how short sighted these companies are! You would think with all the fearless athletes that Nike promotes, some of that fearlessness would have left an impression on them. I love how Alysia ran while visibly pregnant, because representation and normalization matters. I applaud Alysia and Allyson for calling this out! ❤️❤️❤️

[@miamiwax5504]

Adidas over here rubbing their hands like birdman

[@GH-fn1ro]

I honestly have not laughed this hard at something is weeks LOLLLL

[@saarbrook]

Haha 😂 hilarious

[@namastewellness]

miamiwax Afidzs passed up Michael Jordan multiple times.

[@Raid_3011]

Saimazing Life Jordan and Nike are somewhat tied aren’t they ?

[@beverage7335]

Adidas shoes last forever too! I have a pair that has lasted 12 years now (that are worn regularly) and they dont have holes and still look good!!!

[@hellowjp]

Breastfeeding, pumping, and winning. What a badass.

[@1NV4S10N]

IKR 👏🏿👏🏿

[@oukphearak2187]

She’s a badass goddess

[@konnorrockkonnoisseur4970]

Champ

[@izzyrose6044]

Breastfeeding is disgusting.

[@user-ne5ue8rd5n]

She’s awesome and breastfeeding is what feeds babies. :P

[@annaeppard5706]

She is the definition of a strong, independent woman. She held her own and stuck out in a male - dominated industry. She decided to become a mother because it was what she wanted to do. She followed her dreams and stood up to a system that she knew was unfair to her and other women. And now, she's speaking out about that system. What an inspiration. Bless her.

[@toaka5568]

We're the ones who decides what dreams are crazy and what dreams makes perfect sense That's so awesome and motivateing

[@lynnsyang2391]

can we talk about how she shipped her breast milk back to the states to her daughter while running in a huge race. this woman is amazing.

[@mirandamariiie]

right!!! like holy crap!! talk about going above and beyond! A baby has to eat though!!

[@jsvv77]

Right? Because mothering is just making sure your baby has your milk and that's it! What a role model! Just marry a dweeb to raise your children then and go around the world pumping and traveling and shipping milk and you'll be considered a badass, which is all that matters, YOU!

[@josie_7124]

Jorge Villarreal lol did you watch the video? Maybe she wouldn't have to do that if nike gave her paid maternity leave and her healthcare wasnt being suspended. Either the keeps competing or she doesn't earn any money.

[@jsvv77]

@@josie_7124 lol she wouldn't have to do that if she had a husband providing for the family. But personally I don't think she needed the money, she just loves conflict and want to be famous for standing up to the man

[@lifeispeachy4434]

@@jsvv77 You're not getting the point though. Even if she married someone who can provide for the family, she shouldn't be forced to be cut from the sponsorship or have no support at all from Nike or any other company or even the Olympic committee JUST BECAUSE she wanted to start her own family. This video just proves that companies like Nike do not care about others, other than making money! The point of her stating the problem is so that people are aware and those female athletes shouldn't have to go through pregnancy without health insurance and paid maternity leave.

[@deyramartinez8685]

But the fact that she used Nikes own words against them “Just do it.” Makes me laugh at Nike. 🤭

[@udhiw.4663]

Nike is pathetic

[@johnpaulkane5480]

The funny thing is and it's true Nikes logo was inspired by a serial killer Ted Bundy before they executed him he said let's just do it and the owner of nikes the Creator make the statement wow

[@simpleinverso8628]

@@johnpaulkane5480 Source?

[@simpleinverso8628]

@ThunderHawk But it is still twisted...

[@yashk246]

I don't get this whole thing. Of course Nike is not going to sponsor a runner who's probably going to quit after running. Its not personal, just business

[@LuckyBadger]

OMG, her kids are so freakin' adorable! They are going to have a great future with such a strong mom.

[@RaviKiran-yg9mb]

I never brought a single Nike products in my life. And I never will in future.

[@thepudge6953]

Nike is trash, they are just after money and don't care about people. You should buy Underarmor, its a very good brand.

[@saesmith1]

This is messed up... I’m so upset that Nike treat their women athletes so horribly. I thought they were more progressive than this😒

[@LivenSixtyFive]

They don’t just treat woman harshly they do that to everyone. Just how a mother has to be in maternity leave there is paternity leave for fathers.

[@bluehope4143]

Sadly, almost all companies just do it for reputation, which leads to more money for the company.

[@shelbyluby1685]

Shani Smith not at all progressive, they use basically slave labor

[@marixcx]

Shani Smith I mean were they ever progressive? We have been knew that use child labor... you shouldn’t be surprised.

[@melissasaint3283]

@@marixcx Recently they had been trying hard to appear progressive.

[@user-ln6pu7kq9j]

I thought this kind of discrimination was illegal! Wow! NIKE and ASICS should be ashamed. That's a disgusting way to treat women.

[@108wee]

thats how most American companies treat woman, are you really that out of touch?! my own mother had caused trouble was she entered a mostly male job and got pregnant. they had no idea what to do because she was the first woman to get preggers there and they had no policy in place for it. I was told that after my mother left they made it against the rules to get pregnant but I dont think that those rules actually lasted for very long.

[@little_miss_sunshine3191]

In the video they say asics is fully paying through that time

[@dinolandra]

It's illegal in most states to fire someone for being pregnant but it's not federally mandated that pregnant people get maternity leave.

[@acatwithinternet5635]

@@108wee I smell a lawsuit.

[@tami8458]

Nike only, not ASICS

[@linachambers3327]

It's so sad that Nike can't see the beauty of having a baby there would be no "Nike" if the mothers who had these men didn't have them 😒

[@daddydiesel7177]

There would be no “Humans” if men didn’t get those women pregnant

[@Doodleoodle01]

@@daddydiesel7177 You're being quite pathetic. Sure, conceiving a human life requires the contribution of both a man and a woman but BIRTHING that human into the world is something only a woman can do.

[@laliday]

@@daddydiesel7177 lol, still more work and sacrifice for the woman. Ever wondered what would happen if women stopped at giving birth? There was no formula 200 years ago.

[@daddydiesel7177]

@@Doodleoodle01 And she can’t do it without a man meaning it takes both a man and a woman to make a child not just a woman

[@Doodleoodle01]

@@daddydiesel7177 You clearly did not read my comment well. I said it is a contribution of both a man and a women to concieve a child...

[@sandysush5025]

Her words are so powerful and she is so strong, more love❤️

[@caramelcoffees]

so many people forget that we were all carried into the world via the strength of a woman

[@yixuancraze]

this deserves way more likes!!!!!!

[@blxonblxcrimecle6156]

Ultimate Truth...

[@smhXD21]

caramel coffee - ik everyone seems to forget that one thing

[@tinaberry7215]

You hit the nail right on the head

[@innocebronkhorst431]

@@mirrisabaez8712 i get what you are saying but. Biology is Biology, so if men were responsible to giving birth, their bodies would be adapted to it

[@lrein077]

Wouldn't Alysia's pregnant condition be an excellent market for Nike & ASICS to capitalize upon? Just the thought of a world class runner transitioning into motherhood during and after pregnancy, and then picking up the pace as a world class runner is monumental. What's wrong with these companies? Alysia, thank you for keeping your priority in order and thank you NYT for exposing this horrible business practice.

[@Sarah-re7cg]

lrein077 you make an excellent point. The issue is that major corporations see people as disposable, not human beings.

[@cakeboss16]

Well woke marketing is a popular thing nowadays so you are probably right.

[@andyiswonderful]

apparently not. Do you know Nike's business better than they do?

[@aeonm9857]

probably because it's never been done before & they don't want to risk it

[@november132]

probably because the left would freak out, they prefer to get rid of children

[@Englishcupcake]

I admire women who don't put off marriage, family and children till they build a successful career! Love and family don't prevent you from being strong!

[@smiley2477]

I haven’t heard of her but I love her! Such. A good role. Model.

[@rominaconstenla5624]

No insurance. Carrer set backs. No monetary help. No compassion. But we are selfish for not wanting or waiting to have children.

[@ashdacraft]

I never wanted kids. I catch so much BS for that. So many strangers telling me why I’m so selfish for not wanting to reproduce. Then I catch BS about why I’m supposed to keep my legs clothes if I can’t afford it. Then I get told I’m too old and need to hurry up and have them. Then if i do that and want to keep my job and pay I’m told “you made a choice to get pregnant-why should we support you” But if I wanna abort it, it’s against the law. If I need assistance I’m using tax payers money. I’m just gonna stay childless.

[@SarahWendt]

@@ashdacraft the problem is not about wanting/having children, but about how society treats women. We should be allowed to make our own choices without being judged from others.

[@EchoJ]

Sarah Wendt IMO, that’s pretty much what Ashley Tyler was saying. She gave specific examples but the overall message is one of the hypocrisy in society regarding women having choices without judgment.

[@potatoesandtomatoes6817]

Ashley Tyler i don’t understand why choosing not to reproduce is selfish?????

[@ashdacraft]

Potatoes and Tomatoes I’m still trying to figure that out and how my lack of reproducing effects the next person. I personally think it’s selfish to have a kid cause you wanted to see what it’d look it, tax benefits and insurance, you wanted something to love, to save a relationship, because no man will want you if you don’t bear his child, because your parents want grandkids, to have someone to take care of you in old age, your legacy-all reasons people have told me I should have kids.

[@justcause1118]

US Olympics strips insurance when you're pregnant? What?

[@neelamvatsyayan1999]

Aweful

[@marcellajaynes5997]

mssheltn1 In a lot of ways, we do. I don’t think they said in EVERY area.

[@Kpop-hm9sd]

@mssheltn1 the fact that the areactually people in the mgtow movement is just downright stupid and sexist

[@weedermann]

WHAT'S to STOP them?

[@Lewa500]

@@marcellajaynes5997 In the vast majority of ways, you don't. Even in America, which is to say nothing for the rest of the world where you're seen as nothing more than walking incubators.

[@marymartindale996]

Amen sister. I wish you all the best. Hope to see you this summer in Tokyo

[@Ada-tv7zl]

I wish Alysia all the best! She is so brave for speaking up and an inspiration for female athlete all around the globe.

[@angiemendez2628]

Omg I’m disgusted with Nike. I’m never buying their brand again.

[@vibehigher_]

That's what I've been trying to tell everyone,, it's not a race issue,, it's a human issue

[@emclaire18]

You’re just now realizing they’re trash? Interesting

Angie Mendez been stopped buying from them . Wake up yall

[@rat5two127]

Says every person who will forget about this in a week, Angie.

[@angiemendez2628]

Y’all act like I have all this money to be buying Nike gear 😂 if and when I need gym shoes again I am going to think twice. For now I will continue to wear my cut up tees and Walmart tights to the gym. So hard to stay woke 😭 now carryon y’all.

[@nekojita5150]

Half of the world are women and they buy shoes too. Come one Nike, this is short sighted and most importantly cruel.

[@mrcstb7479]

Id say, at least in Europe, women buy far more sneakers than men..

[@Banjo-ed5vv]

@@mrcstb7479 from SportsOneSource, Men’s shoes represent 59% of all sneakers sold in dollars, Women’s 22% and kids 20%.

[@LibertyMadison]

Aaron Boyd half of the world are women, true but those women also buy and determine which shoes the other half buys:)

[@hockeymike333]

high heels and uggs arent shoes

[@nhzsk7236]

No its not.

[@SnehaV92]

Why would anyone dislike this video? I had tears running down my face listening to this woman talk.

[@christaalunan1812]

I am so happy to know these female athletes are taking great strides to voice what is an otherwise discriminatory approach towards women in sports. Everyday in our lives, women are pushed to unreasonable standards and even then, they still aren't protected by secured policies. Absolutely horrendous. Thanks for your voice.

[@tracyDoo]

Everyone tells us that being pregnant is the best thing ever happening to us. Then a woman decides to have a child, and she is discriminated! There are so many double standards!

[@sanlorenzo7896]

tracyDoo These double standards make me lose more hope on humanity. There’s just more hate than love these days.

[@starlight8554]

Sufi Muslim Lion baaaaaait

[@AlexOP69]

@@sufimuslimlion4114 ok boomer

[@sufimuslimlion4114]

@@AlexOP69 Aww how cute. Another woman who cant speak about issues her brain cant underetand

[@sufimuslimlion4114]

@@AlexOP69 Speaking in memes instead of discussing in words like men do

[@urockit2011]

This was moving. Came here after seeing the Mary Cain story.

[@alfiona7951]

Same here

[@princessamy274]

Same

[@dayannaortiz8144]

Same

[@phloridababe]

YT brought us all together. 😊

[@mari8nna]

same

[@Daledenise6789]

She pumped milk for 10 days shipped it back to her daughter while running and winning championships around the world?! I’m blown away!!!!! I can only even think managing half of day and then throwing it away. This woman is a legend! Time and again women have proved they’re so much stronger why they’re called they’re calculative when they’re good in strategies?! Why they’re told you’re dramatic when you’re crazy for your dreams?! And on the other hand guys are having first drink with their father (which I don’t complain I’m comparing) while we get hand out tampons when 13 cause there’s a pain and murder scene in our pants?! Why do we have to hide our first drink at 18 or whatever ? Why do we have to lie if we want freedom? Why can’t we be emotional without being called all over emotional. Tell me what’s a good amount of feeling emotions. Is there a book?! Time and again these things have been spoken why everyone treats these things like “just another topic”

[@MsToronto123]

You are such an inspiration. Thank you for fighting for the rest of us !

[@mitzinicoleritter211]

This is what a real American hero looks like, people!

[@lalaishappyyy]

agreed!

[@mikowhy9608]

Not sure how to comment that. An egocentric sick system vs an egocentric hero. A worthy rivals, but I don't understand both sides. One neglecting other's life, One risking other's life. If that's an American dream, then it's a bitter one... Don't get me wrong, she is a hero to me.

[@phasevariance9003]

African American? Is it insulting to leave out her race?

[@RynTree]

Phase Variance it’s not about her race???

[@hammydammy123]

Loryn African American literally is American anyway lol

[@akki015]

Can we all just acknowledge how badass she is to race during her pregnancy and come on top again after her childbirth.

[@Nekrochomikon8]

Yeah, that was shocking.

[@Paola-jf2qf]

akshay kr She is a boss.

[@prashantsolanki007]

No offense to her cause and I don't care about Nike anyway but I believe that their is no need to run while pregnant even though doing some exercises is good but high intensity running is not good at all. What if she falls by mistake while running, especially when the chances of having some minor accidents are high due to change in Center of mass in pregnancy. That will lead to a dead/defect baby in womb for sure. She was able to do it doesn't mean every women can do it, this kind of encouragement can lead to a false motivation which is very dangerous for pregnant women. I hope one will first consult doctors rather than doing something like this themselves.

[@coalepps8936]

@@prashantsolanki007 food for thought my friend.

[@elirien4264]

I'm not so sure. If she was running at 8 months...what if she fell?

[@dangeroussneeze66]

She’s amazing. This shows how powerful women can be

[@ac869]

Hi, you'll probably not reply but I'm a timed long-distance runner I just want to hear people's opinions. I'm currently 12 and run 7KM in 30 Minutes. Is that considered good?

[@trendkiller6611]

I think women who choose NOT to breed are more powerful.

[@DoraSometimes]

This made me cry... What a brave, amazing woman!!!❤️

[@cupid3890]

Ok but, she ran while 8 months pregnant??? Like, that's amazing that she could do that!!! #DreamMaternity

[@bethanymcgonigle]

@IntheWinter ir was proven that acting crazy like that while 8 months is a risk to both mother and baby, she's just lucky nothing happened.

[@acatwithinternet5635]

@K. F. it's not risky. Military woman do it all the time. Running depends on the fitness of the woman. It brings no harm to the baby, as long as your use to it.

[@TH3BLOoDB3ND3R]

@K. F. If you are a fit woman already then it is fine. Of course a woman who doesn't normally exercise shouldn't run like that while pregnant but her body can handle it because she has trained her body to. She also wasn't in a high risk pregnancy so she was fine. If Nike wouldn't threaten to drop her then she could have taken maternity leave and focus on her pregnancy but instead she had to train and run.

[@bethanymcgonigle]

@IntheWinter wait, I got these recommendations from qualified doctors lol.

[@SimoneVPoise]

Because her body is used to it it can handle it, for her its a daily routine of practice etc

[@ediapaff8858]

seriously running out of brands to buy at this point...

[@hammydammy123]

Edía Paff buy shein. Their clothes are actually quite high quality and I don’t see any evidence of them exploiting children. They have amazing shoes, coats, jeans and shirts. Their fabric is very comfortable, though some clothing is slightly itchy. It’s a European country and it ships almost everywhere.

[@ediapaff8858]

@@hammydammy123 you did watch the video though, right?

[@gabbicassell7704]

Don’t believe everything you see online

[@Mena_ce]

Edía Paff No one cares, people will still buy there product

[@hayleymarse2853]

For leggings and sports bras, buy Senita. They are a small brand started by sisters and they actually support women. I might be biased, but their clothes fit me wayyyyyy better than Nike and Adidas.

[@smritinair5934]

This is what I would say grit, determination packed together looks like. She proves without doubt that you decide what your dreams are.

[@raeshavonne]

I love all you amazing athletic Mother's. I do not have children but as an ex athlete turned chef and fitness trainer. I must say a job well done and to keep going. I pray we all get the respect and pay we deserve, if not more. Take care

[@mikylaj5564]

I loved how she used one of nikes little phrases to get at them. “Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything”. Kinda makes you realize the double standard of the company

[@josephstalin4339]

@@DavidLee-vi8ds thats not how it works, a non-disclosure clause doesn't take away your rights if you agree to them being taken away

[@josephstalin4339]

@Mikyla J i dont think “Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything” is a "little phrase." Also somethings aren't worth believing.

[@unknown-lf6zx]

Plus Alberto Salazar who ran the nike running camps was so abusive to women runners some of them developed major issues (eating disorders etc). I'll never ever ever support or wear Nike as a woman!!! They are so gross. Nike No...just don't do it

[@pionerat6917]

Way to go!!!💜

[@DavidLee-vi8ds]

@@josephstalin4339 Nice logic. Non-disclosure does not take away free speech. It's an agreement to suffer a penalty for exercising free speech in a manner not permitted by the agreement. It's a business agreement. I see your point. Any contract that violates rights is illegal and cannot be enforced in court.

[@antisocialextrovert3008]

I canceled Nike once I found out other things they are involved in...she is a very mentally and physically strong person.

[@VideoGamesExtras]

Which other things are they involved in

[@joeysalads6711]

Your Subconscious if u didn't "cancel" Nike before u really must just not care about how they have used Vietnamese children to mass produce their products for less than a dollar an hour

[@andrealmoseley6575]

I questioned them before as well

[@antisocialextrovert3008]

@@VideoGamesExtras please do your research on Nike, really dig. Nike and Adidas do way more than sell shoes. Look up what they support and trust me you wouldn't support them anymore either. If I say what they do, my comment might get deleted. Research!

[@antisocialextrovert3008]

@@joeysalads6711 I knew about that plus way more. I canceled them wayyyy before the release of this video. It's because of Nike and Adidas that I look up things before buying. I refuse to support companies that treat humans inhumanely.

[@alashadbin3814]

the thing which influenced me is her strength all the things which I saw yesterday made me feel that as a 20 year old girl ,we are special and we have the power to make changes and do the impossible things 🌱🍀

[@intheone9260]

Total and Absolute respect to you Madam, for your confidence in yourself. Thank you!

[@anekadrazek2383]

I was eyeing a new pair of $200 Nike. Not after watching this. U can do better Nike. Disappointed ☹️ I bought into the “myth” that Nike was all about empowering women. Guess not after seeing this

[@mashoeshoem5919]

Aneka Drazek funny m also searching for running shoes. I was gona go to a nike store tomorrow but after watching this no-no

[@mommabear8260]

Exactly! My husband just said he was looking to purchase 4 pairs! Can't wait to show him this!

[@anekadrazek2383]

Miss Pitso exactly I guess I bought into the hype over many years that this brand is all for women empowerment

[@carolinabackstrom3906]

Nike has also had huge sweatshop scandals and has done nothing about it

[@LASHLOVE33]

same.... after watching this its a NO.

[@heysu__]

She's so badass. Thank you for taking on this challenge for the sake of both yourself and other women. Nike and Asics will regret their decisions as this story becomes more popularized. I'm a new fan rooting for you!

[@WLFJfan]

This is wonderful! Thank you for the work you're doing to support mothers!

[@MarkWusinich]

Thank you for brining this story to light.

[@ilove2929]

She's still running when she was pregnant, and only took few months to recover (maternal leave). Thats is a very strong woman right there, who should be valued for her full potential not just because of her few months of absence.

[@danielscoaching]

It's not Nike's job to value anyone. We may not like what they do/don't do, but we can't say that they SHOULD do/not do something.

[@jakieabraham]

BB. O

[@paulocuento9949]

what a nicw way to risk a baby's life

[@hockeymike333]

Wow a woman who walks while pregnant, what a task. We should make statues of her while she demands payments from greedy corporations, what a delusional self centered moron.

[@KaluArt]

The fact that y'all keep repeating the word "strong" so many times to describe small accomplishments by women, just makes me think that the majority of women are weak to the core

[@knightof1990]

It would have been an amazing ad and campaign if ASICS did it after NIKE dismissed her. They missed very big opportunity and story.

[@kaym8541]

my thoughts exactly!

[@julesmarie403]

I just made your likes hit 1k yay

[@imjakepaul4497]

knightof1990 yea

[@kokolatte825]

@0 true, but it would've been worthwhile to get the story out there.

[@vee_bg]

3:42 - 4:30 is a very, very good, heartfelt, moving advertisement material. So much respect for the women athletes!!!

[@lejymathew8159]

So inspiring. Thankyou for making this video. My personal experience is whenever I had a baby I paused / stopped working. FMLA assures 12 weeks of leave time but that isn’t enough. For a mother who is nursing, household chores and taking care of sibling brothers/ sisters often overlook their own mental and physical health. This needs change when is US will be like other European countries where they get 1 year of maternity/ paternity leave.

[@ac869]

Hi, you'll probably not reply but I'm a timed long-distance runner I just want to hear people's opinions. I'm currently 12 and run 7KM in 30 Minutes. Is that considered good?

[@karolinakuc4783]

Europe and even Iran has better maternity leave terms

[@hunnnybabe]

“I proved them wrong” Me: *goosebumps*

[@diddy2091]

How did you prove them wrong? If I was the CEO of NIKE, I would never have anything to do with you again. Nike payed you for a job! You are an independent contractor. You were never an employee of Nike. It is you husbands responsibility to take care of you while you are pregnant. A real man takes care of his wife when she is pregnant. Nike is not a Welfare system for athletes! Take several seats!

[@simritkaur8088]

diddy her husband has to take care of her when she’s pregnant ? That’s the solution your giving ?

[@aIacrity.]

YES she makes me feel like an empowered woman i love her

[@aIacrity.]

diddy stfu troll

[@brightiris]

@@diddy2091 Bruh, you clearly didn't watch the video.

[@BriefDownpour]

For people who still don't understand: What they were preaching in the ADs wasn't wrong, the fact that they aren't doing what they have been preaching is what's wrong.

[@d3r4g45]

The fact that they are treating pregnancy as an injury and discriminate IS not only bad, wrong and greedy it's probably a violation of the human rights.

[@giabarrone7422]

The sad part is that is standard corporate policy in the US. Not just Nike. Many woman apply for disability benefits in order to receive maternity leave, but not all are even eligible. It is beyond time to align ourselves with other wealthy developed countries and support basic healthcare and maternity leave. Some countries even have mandatory paternity leave, and/or maternity leave that extends over a year as it is in the best interest of the child.

[@collax2613]

@@d3r4g45 Implying nike, a company that use cheap child labor care about human rights.

[@nikitachoudhury7240]

The most beautiful documentary I have ever seen. I love people who believe in their dreams like crazy and break all stereotypes to fulfill them.❤️

[@springb5928]

I LOVE THIS!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING!

[@curiousnerdkitteh]

What happened to "Just do it", Nike? You wimped out.

[@veronica1689]

Nike let's you do it... if they want you to do it....

[@weedermann]

Is like ANY American business...they own government now, can legally call the shots. Big Business is presently NOT accountable to ANYONE.

[@supernpstr]

Stripping your insurance if you are not in shape during pregnancy is just insane!

[@Maddle10]

Murica

[@AL-bv7jt]

jay, did you miss the part where she did run? At 8 months pregnant no less. How about the fact that Nike doesn't seem to care about missing out on the market of pregnant and post partem mothers who also work out. Those women (no matter their fitness level), might be inspired by a woman like her. That inspiration = big money to Nike but I guess they don't care about that.

[@alexanderle1610]

Boycotting them.

[@qw1935]

It’s a crime

[@AL-bv7jt]

The states is very proud to discriminate against pregnant women in general. You're all very open about it. Proud and indignant. Well done.

[@maryalex092761]

You go girl, what a strong voice! You have the power.

[@aurim6601]

I'm very proud of you, for what you do I have the greatest respect. God blessed you and I'm glad you are moving forward making a difference

[@Uriel238]

_Well behaved women seldom make history._ --Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, 1976 *Edit:* Formatting

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

🎯❗️Not only do they seldom make history (and not everyone needs to), they tend to be really unhappy, insecure, envious/jealous of other women and very petty...because they are not using their natural gifts and talents - they're not letting themselves be who they really are.

[@drea94]

!

[@k.o.h8446]

Uriel238 Wow so true

[@ElizabethJones-pv3sj]

That was never meant to be a criticism of well behaved women, it was a comment on who historians choose to pay attention to. If nobody quietly paid attention to ensuring next year's harvest comes in those badly behaved women and men wouldn't get very far. see this artice for an explanation www.chicagonow.com/listing-beyond-forty/2015/07/who-said-well-behaved-women-seldom-make-history/

[@laurelmatson1766]

Hey my names Laurel.

[@staceycatron5770]

As one of the older viewers, I can remember when the Soviets used to encourage their women athletes to have a baby. It made them STRONGER!!!!

[@le_th_]

I'm 51 and I can honestly say I do not remember that. However, I'm guessing the maternal death rate is lower in Russia and the Eastern Block countries then it now is in the US. The US has one of the highest.

[@yoanna5646]

That is not exactly right, during first weeks of pregnancy hormone levels are going up a lot and sport performance is actually significantly better indeed, but Soviets were constantly impregnating and aborting those pregnancies, it was harmful and traumatising for the athletes so i wouldn't advise using that story in that context

[@girlnotthis9738]

Yoanna could u back up this please? im from post soviet country and ut sounds like a tale to me

[@skadi6750]

Stop making Russians look like role models, they are great in their propaganda, they are masters of pretending and you are nuts to swallow that! Russia is not a land of opportunities!

[@girlnotthis9738]

Skadi u do realize that........soviet union wasn't only russia, right?

[@rosevanstaden4562]

You are incredible! Keep fighting I'm right behind you!

[@ThoughXperiment]

Alysia, you know are my personal heroe. I have two daughters, I always try to teach them that they have not limits but people will always try to put limits to them though. Thanks for this powerful video Times!

[@Maced_with_Nightmares]

Smh they don’t have aid for pregnant women but they still expect you to never have an abortion and struggle with your life and your child’s

[@elsamuel695]

I'm sure Nike never said anything like that. They did change their policy though, and others like Asics already had much better policies.

[@Maced_with_Nightmares]

El Samuel no Im not talking about her and her contract I’m talking about pregnant women in general and how there’s no laws that protect them

[@elsamuel695]

@@Maced_with_Nightmares Well I absolutely agree there should be laws that demand aid for pregnant women. Actually, I'm not sure what I was trying to say lol I'm gonna pretend like I didn't leave that comment.

[@lucygoosie7726]

Here in Canada, we have 1 year maternity leave or 9 months parental leave when you have a baby. (Maternity leave only applies to the mother who gives birth while parental leave applies to the father or adoptive parent, in the case of adoption) And about the issue of abortion, I feel like it’s pushed onto women as being the best was to deal with the problem... as if a baby is a “problem”... a challenge, yes, but not a problem. There need to be more women speaking up for their babies. Creating a baby inside of you is the most empowering gift you have as a woman.

[@elsamuel695]

@@lucygoosie7726 I'm from Norway and we have similar laws here, total parental leave with 100% income is 46 weeks, where each parent gets a minimum of 15 weeks I think. Apparently some babies don't get breastfed long enough though. And yeah, I agree on the topic of abortion too. Doctors/professionals should be careful with how they represent the options. Some people seem to have the idea that babies are "unprofessional" and will ruin your career or life.

[@TheMcKenzieHaus]

My mouth dropped when she said they took away health insurance 😱😳

[@gwendolynlemleylaurich8459]

Exactly! Right when she needed it most.

[@thepixinator2592]

I didn’t know that the Olympic Committee even provided health insurance. They’re jackasses to take it away.

[@user-th7us1fl9x]

This is so inspiring. Thank you so much.

[@marlener.7595]

Shockingly, it doesn't even surprise me that this crazy rich, men-run business doesn't support women when they are doing the one thing that comes closest to magic on this planet.

[@VT-zz3ik]

This lady is a hero. Strong minded, heart, and a fighting spirit. Your children will be proud of you for your sacrifices.

[@LeonNeuton]

I agree!

[@astodone9022]

Vinh Tran - Not really. She literally ran 8 months into her pregnancy. Imagine if she fainted or fell ill or got injured. Baby could have just died straight up or been born with permanent health problems. Then Nike would have been blamed for “pushing it too far”

[@VT-zz3ik]

@@astodone9022 Some people see challenges and obstacles and they run through them, at least they attempted. Some people are comfortable with the standards and rules others have set for them/ on them and that's also fine as well. We all cannot be strong or be conforming to the rules society has set. If you're comfortable living in the world of what if, what could, and what would happened and you would not do what this superhuman mother did, then that's your life, that's absolutely acceptable as well.

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

She could have easily medically decapitated her child in vitro

[@astodone9022]

Vinh Tran - women can’t outrun men, buddy. 5 seconds into the video and the woman is babbling about how men and women can compete against each other lol what a joke... 15 year old untrained teenagers regularly CRUSH the women’s world records in sprinting and running. And not just running. Toughest man in the world can deadlift 800 lb. while the toughest woman in the world can deadlift a world record of 500 lb... Men and women are just not on the same level physically and it’s really not a “boundary” that can be broken. Men just naturally produce the steroid Testosterone lol if a woman were to inject testosterone she would grow a beard and have massive biceps

[@leahtv7778]

I love how there are laws that prohibit discrimination against pregnant women but all employers can just do it anyway. What's the point of that law if it's just never enforced? DUMB.

[@danthelambboy]

She isn't an employee!

[@elirien4264]

They find ways around the laws. Always have.

[@savedbygrace480]

Because even if you take them to court, they can wait it out while you drown in lawsuit charges.

[@jucyjay8398]

People can plan to have babies

[@jucyjay8398]

People use condoms all the time

[@QBee240]

KZbin coming through with the best recommendations this idle weeks of Rona

[@edisonpleasants7475]

If no one will do it, Black Women GET IT DONE. Period!!!! I literally have so much respect for her, you are a true queen!

[@ColeyBolee]

She is INCREDIBLE!! Thank you for speaking out and bringing attention to another huge disadvantage women are dealt. You are a dream woman!

[@danennaserpenter9528]

Absolutely kickass lady. We’re boycotting Nike now and that’s the REAL tea sis.

[@ryleee4099]

Clown

[@duchesseebene1273]

Asics supports motherhood !!! They gettin my money💰

[@poojathakur5707]

#nikesucks

[@Anonymous-eo2er]

Totally agree but they’ve got a huge chunk of the sports industry and boycotting gets hard

[@citisoccer]

@@duchesseebene1273 asics is just like nike and adidas. If you want an American product, made in America, try New Balance.

[@carolizaks2472]

this is really a eye opener for everyone like they're telling us to reach for you dreams and to not stay quiet to make your voice heard but their the ones keeping these woman quiet..and then also try to bullsh* us with motivational video's like {dream crazier} i'm so glad that its out in the open like its hardcore sexism....