“Don’t Think I’ve Ever Been So Tired”: Beijing Gold Medalist Breaks the Ice on Juggling Between Motherhood and Olympic Dreams

In the grand narrative of life, roles evolve, and identities shift. Along similar lines, Susan Francia, a double Olympic gold medalist in rowing, once basked in that applause that her mother proudly used to cheer for her. However, the script has now taken a flip. Now, the daughter is known by the name of her mother, who is a Nobel laureate. In addition to this, Francia, who is defined by podiums and accolades, is herself a mother of two.

After embracing motherhood, Susan is on an unforeseen path as she navigates the uncharted waters. Skilled rowing legend now shares a story of resilience, fatigue, & unexpected joy that eclipses the demands of Olympic training. In her own words, “Being a parent takes the cake”. Here is what she said.

From Olympic nights to sleepless nights

Retired from rowing, the Hungarian-American rowing champion Susan Francia threw light on the often underrated job, motherhood. In a conversation with Olympics.com, she openly discussed the fatigue, shared laughter with fellow Olympic parents, and unforeseen obstacles surpassing training sessions. Francia said, “We joke that training for the Olympics, we thought that was the hardest thing that we would ever have in our lives. No, no. Being parents, that takes the cake.”

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She further adds, “I don’t think I’ve ever been so tired in my life.” Motherhood is a journey where challenges are just as significant as the triumphs. Francia’s experience as a mother unfolds naturally amid her collection of medals and accolades. While reflecting on her personal journey of motherhood, she can not stop beaming with pride in the glory of her own mother.

The pride of being a Nobel laureate’s daughter

On December 10, Susan’s mother, Katalin Karikó, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for her groundbreaking research in mRNA. Who could have been happier than Kariko’s daughter on the occasion? Susan here happily leaves the spotlight for her mother. She proudly said, “We’ve flipped the script. We joke that my mom used to be known as Susan Francia’s mom, and now I’m known as Katalin Karikó’s daughter.”

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While listening to this, it seems Francia truly stands out as her mother’s daughter. Her mother Katalin successfully played her dual roles of a mother and a scientist. Susan also did the same, balancing her roles as a sportsperson and a mother. The essence of their journeys remains the same.

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