PUMA has revealed a new film with Iceland and Olympique Lyonnais footballer Sara Bjork Gunnarsdóttir, that highlights her personal journey preparing for motherhood, welcoming her son, and returning to action.
Gunnarsdóttir gave birth in November, returned to her club in March, and played for her country in April.
Compiled over nine months, the 12-minute documentary gives unparalleled access to her life, detailing her training schedule while pregnant and the work undertaken with specialist coach Mark Jonson to prepare the footballer for birth and returning to play for the French side just five months after giving birth to her son.
HAVE YOU ALSO WATCHED?: Video – Man City ‘Night of the Blue Moon’ Title Celebration
The content breaks down the stigma often surrounding female athletes returning to the sport they love, with Gunnarsdóttir sharing insights into the physical and mental challenges of preparing for childbirth while maintaining her career as a professional athlete in the French Division 1 Féminine and for the Icelandic national team.
Directed by COPA90’s Lawrence Tallis, the work highlights the societal preconceptions placed on women around remaining active while pregnant and returning to work after giving birth. None more so than female athletes, who often face challenges around their eligibility to compete and receive maternity pay, with many having to make the choice to retire from their careers early to have a family.