GB's Alice Kinsella aiming for rare return to elite competition as a mum.
Kinsella, who won Olympic bronze in the team event at Tokyo 2020 and is a two-time European champion, has become the first British artistic gymnast to attempt to return to elite competition after giving birth. The 24-year-old sat down with BBC Sport to discuss her progress and how she has managed it.
When Kinsella walks into the gym at the home of British Gymnastics in Lilleshall, it is not her who her team-mates and coaches rush over to greet. It is her son Parker, who at just a few months old is in his Christmas babygrow and loving the fuss. But their eyes soon turn to Kinsella.
She might not be inventing a new gravity-defying move but she is breaking new ground in a different way as she seeks to become the first British artistic gymnast to return to elite competition after giving birth. There are many examples of mums returning to the top of their sports, but this is not the case in gymnastics, where pelvic floor and core strength - both weakened during pregnancy - are so vital.
Kinsella had only "about three or four weeks off" after having Parker in the summer. The gymnast said she always knew she wanted to be a parent while still competing at elite level, but finding "the right time" in between Olympic cycles was key.
She stuck to her normal diet, give or take a few pregnancy cravings, and did strength and conditioning training throughout her pregnancy, stopping "a week or two before" giving birth. Strength and conditioning exercises target core, upper and lower body strength and power, flexibility and mobility.
Kinsella believes her gymnastics background has played a big part in her being able to return to physical exercise so quickly postpartum. She doesn't want to put a timestamp on her return but hopes to be "back fully" by the end of 2026, with the World Championships taking place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in October.
The gymnast does not want to put a timeline on her return to competition as she is taking it day by day. However, British Gymnastics senior conditioning coach Ben Young said that Kinsella "is making huge gains" and faster than expected.
Young hopes Kinsella can be a pioneer for other gymnasts who have given birth. A paper titled 'Returning to sport postpartum: a case study of an elite gymnast' is being researched at the University of Kent, with the aim to present a successful example of a holistic approach to returning to elite sport.
Kinsella, who won Olympic bronze in the team event at Tokyo 2020 and is a two-time European champion, has become the first British artistic gymnast to attempt to return to elite competition after giving birth. The 24-year-old sat down with BBC Sport to discuss her progress and how she has managed it.
When Kinsella walks into the gym at the home of British Gymnastics in Lilleshall, it is not her who her team-mates and coaches rush over to greet. It is her son Parker, who at just a few months old is in his Christmas babygrow and loving the fuss. But their eyes soon turn to Kinsella.
She might not be inventing a new gravity-defying move but she is breaking new ground in a different way as she seeks to become the first British artistic gymnast to return to elite competition after giving birth. There are many examples of mums returning to the top of their sports, but this is not the case in gymnastics, where pelvic floor and core strength - both weakened during pregnancy - are so vital.
Kinsella had only "about three or four weeks off" after having Parker in the summer. The gymnast said she always knew she wanted to be a parent while still competing at elite level, but finding "the right time" in between Olympic cycles was key.
She stuck to her normal diet, give or take a few pregnancy cravings, and did strength and conditioning training throughout her pregnancy, stopping "a week or two before" giving birth. Strength and conditioning exercises target core, upper and lower body strength and power, flexibility and mobility.
Kinsella believes her gymnastics background has played a big part in her being able to return to physical exercise so quickly postpartum. She doesn't want to put a timestamp on her return but hopes to be "back fully" by the end of 2026, with the World Championships taking place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in October.
The gymnast does not want to put a timeline on her return to competition as she is taking it day by day. However, British Gymnastics senior conditioning coach Ben Young said that Kinsella "is making huge gains" and faster than expected.
Young hopes Kinsella can be a pioneer for other gymnasts who have given birth. A paper titled 'Returning to sport postpartum: a case study of an elite gymnast' is being researched at the University of Kent, with the aim to present a successful example of a holistic approach to returning to elite sport.
! She's like a real-life Wonder Woman, balancing motherhood and gymnastics. I mean, can you imagine being back in that gym at 24 weeks old with a tiny human clinging to your leg? 
Talk about dedication! Her secret? Sticking to her fitness routine (minus those pregnancy cravings 
) and trusting her gymnastics background to carry her through the transition.
The fact that she's being studied at the University of Kent for her holistic approach is just icing on the cake 
! Kinsella, you're an inspiration, and I'm rooting for you to crush it by 2026 
I think its so cool that Alice Kinsella is giving it another go after having her little one. Its not easy balancing family life and still wanting to pursue your passion for gymnastics, especially when you're just 24. 
I've got two kids myself and I can only imagine how hard it must be to juggle training, competing and taking care of a tiny human. Kinsella's story is definitely inspiring though - shes really showing us that it is possible to have a family and still achieve your goals in sport. 
! She's not only a talented gymnast but also a mom who's crushing it 
. But she's doing it, and that's amazing 
.
It just goes to show that with a strong gymnastics background, it's definitely possible to get back into shape quickly.
. It would be amazing to see more moms in sports, and I think Alice Kinsella is leading the way 
.
. I mean, I'm all for strong women pushing themselves and being role models for others 
! 
. Can't wait to see how it all plays out!
. I mean, can you even imagine being pregnant and still pushing yourself to do strength and conditioning training? It just goes to show that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible 
. And who knows, maybe she'll inspire other gymnasts to follow in her footsteps too!
. Becoming a mum at 24 is no joke, but she's rocking it like nobody's business 
Kinsella's determination is admirable, but let's not forget about the government's role in supporting working parents like her. We need better parental leave policies that allow our athletes to focus on their health and recovery. It's time for the government to step up and provide more flexible leave options for new parents. 
! It's going to be really interesting to see how she does by the end of 2026 
. 
Can't wait to see how Kinsella progresses - she might just break some more records in 2026 
. Its not just about her return though - its a big deal for the sport as a whole, especially with the World Championships coming up in 2026 
. I'm definitely rooting for Alice to make it back fully by then 
But she's doing it, and that's what matters most! I love how she stuck to her normal diet (minus some pregnancy cravings 
) and kept training during pregnancy. That's dedication, fam! 
. It'll be so cool if other gymnasts can follow in her footsteps too 
, and that research paper sounds like a game-changer! Let's get behind Alice Kinsella all the way, GB! 
.
. I think that’s a really healthy attitude, especially when you’re trying to balance training, motherhood, and all the other responsibilities that come with being an adult 
.
I mean, it's not easy balancing parenthood and a demanding sport like gymnastics, but she's making it work and that's what matters! 
And it's awesome that British Gymnastics is supporting her every step of the way, especially Ben Young who's seen huge gains from her training! 
. And I think it's amazing that British Gymnastics is behind her every step of the way – Ben Young sounds like a great coach! 
We need more role models like her out there, showing that you can balance family life and athletic goals without sacrificing either one 
but at the same time, she should listen to her body and not rush into anything that might compromise her health. i hope this sparks more research and discussions about how mums can safely return to high-intensity sports like gymnastics 