Amber Rutter, a top Olympic shooter on The Great Britain and Northern Ireland Olympic Team, welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Tommy Rutter, three months before she hopes to compete at the Paris Olympics. Despite the timing of her pregnancy, Rutter plans to return to training six weeks after giving birth, with a competition tentatively scheduled for the end of June. She is playing it by ear based on her recovery and how her body feels.
Rutter, who competed in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and was set to attend the Tokyo Olympics, faced a setback in 2021 when she tested positive for COVID-19 right before the Tokyo Games. At the time, she was the world’s top-ranked women’s skeet shooter and a contender for a gold medal. The experience was a wake-up call for her, prompting her to prioritize her mental health and find a better balance between her life as an athlete and becoming a mother.
Since announcing her pregnancy in October, Rutter has been open about the challenges she faces as she navigates training and competing while caring for her newborn. She has received support from her team, the U.K. governing body for shooting, and her sponsors as she works out logistics for breastfeeding, pumping, and potentially bringing her baby with her to Paris. Despite the obstacles, Rutter remains determined to compete at the highest level and has not wavered in her goal of winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
Rutter’s approach to motherhood and professional sports reflects a shift in her mindset, where she acknowledges that the Olympics are not everything and that being a mother is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. She has spoken out about mental health in professional sports, emphasizing the importance of finding happiness and balance in all aspects of life. Rutter’s perspective on prioritizing her well-being and exploring other areas of her life outside of sports has resonated with many, and she has received praise for her openness and honesty about her journey.
In February 2023, Rutter married her longtime partner, motocross racer James Rutter, further solidifying her support system as she embarks on her journey as a mother and an Olympic athlete. While juggling the demands of training, competing, and caring for a newborn may present challenges, Rutter is determined to pursue her Olympic aspirations and compete for gold in Paris. She acknowledges the unique situation she is in but remains focused on her goals and the opportunities that lie ahead.
As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Rutter is determined to give her all and compete at the highest level, while also embracing her role as a mother and enjoying the journey along the way. With a strong support system in place and a renewed focus on her mental and physical well-being, Rutter is ready to face the challenges ahead and chase her dreams of Olympic success.
