Kaillie Humphries is chasing two dreams that rarely coexist-Olympic glory and motherhood. In the same year she clinched a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she also welcomed her son Aulden, proving that a body can fight both the track and fertility.
At a Glance
- Gold medal at Beijing 2022 and a newborn son in June 2024.
- Overcome a Stage 4 endometriosis diagnosis that forced IVF.
- First Olympic gold for Canada in 2010, then US golds in 2014 and 2018.
- Why it matters: Shows athletes can pursue family plans without sacrificing peak performance.
The Olympic-Fertility Tightrope
Humphries postponed starting a family to focus on her bobsled career. Her four-year Olympic cycle left little room for a nine-month pregnancy, so she and husband Travis Armbruster planned a natural pregnancy before the 2022 Games. The attempt failed, and they turned to IVF after a cyst on her ovary revealed endometriosis.
IVF Costs and the Financial Strain
- First round cost: $15,000-half of her yearly national-team stipend.
- She needed to win a world championship medal to cover the expense.
- The 2023 World Championships provided the necessary earnings.
Table 1: IVF Attempts and Outcomes
| Attempt | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Failed | All embryo transfers did not result in pregnancy |
| 4 | Successful | Final transfer led to conception |
Balancing Training and Treatment
Humphries described the IVF process as mirroring her sport: both require chasing an uncertain outcome. She said, “Sport and IVF process, they mimic each other… you’re chasing a dream that you don’t know will ever come true.” She had to manage the physical toll of training while her body dealt with the demands of fertility treatments.
The Birth of Aulden
In June 2024, Humphries welcomed a son, Aulden, while still holding a gold medal. She reflected, “Everything I dreamed of… it is amazing and I absolutely love it.” The birth added a new layer of responsibility, yet she says she can fully commit to both motherhood and her Olympic goals.
A Timeline of Triumphs
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Gold, Vancouver Games (Canada) |
| 2014 | Gold, Sochi Games (USA) |
| 2018 | Bronze, PyeongChang Games |
| 2022 | Gold, Beijing Games; IVF started |
| 2023 | Silver & bronze at World Championships |
| 2024 | Son Aulden born |
Key Takeaways
- Dual Success: Humphries’ story proves that elite athletes can pursue both family and sport.
- Endometriosis Impact: A Stage 4 diagnosis forced IVF, highlighting the hidden health challenges athletes may face.
- Financial Reality: IVF can cost up to $15,000, a significant portion of an athlete’s stipend.
- Mental Resilience: Managing the uncertainty of both IVF and Olympic competition requires extraordinary focus.
Looking Ahead
Humphries plans to compete at the Milan Cortina Games, now with a 1-year-old son. She says she won’t change a thing about motherhood or her Olympic pursuit, stating, “Both are an honor.” Her journey continues to inspire athletes worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Kaillie Humphries’ dual victories-on the track and in the womb-challenge the notion that family and elite sport are mutually exclusive. Her story underscores the importance of support systems, financial planning, and unwavering determination for athletes facing similar crossroads.
