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Mujinga Kambundji, the Swiss sprinting star and world champion, is charting a latest course – balancing the demands of elite athletics with the joys and challenges of motherhood. The athlete welcomed her son, Léon, in November 2025, and is now carefully navigating her return to competition, a process she describes as surprisingly manageable despite the significant life change. Kambundji’s journey, marked by a commitment to both her sport and her new family, offers a glimpse into the realities faced by professional athletes who develop into parents.
The transition hasn’t been without its adjustments. Kambundji admits she’s surprised by her ability to function well on less sleep, though her nights are now understandably different. She’s adapting her training schedule to accommodate Léon’s needs, a flexibility afforded by being an individual athlete. This careful recalibration is crucial as she aims to regain peak form, with her sights set on the European Championships in Birmingham in August and beyond. The athlete’s story highlights the evolving landscape of women in sports and the increasing support for athletes who choose to start families.
Balancing Training and Breastfeeding
One key aspect of Kambundji’s post-partum routine is combining training with breastfeeding. She finds it’s not a problem, leveraging the flexibility of her individual sport to integrate nursing breaks into her workouts. “I can train when I want and adapt my schedule,” she explained. This adaptability extends to her diet, where she’s mindful of caffeine intake even as breastfeeding, initially opting for decaffeinated coffee and now limiting herself to one cup a day. Despite these adjustments, she reports not necessarily needing coffee to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Kambundji’s approach to regaining her fitness is measured and deliberate. She’s currently focusing on low-impact exercises, particularly cycling, a method she previously used during a metatarsal fracture recovery five years ago. Intense sessions are also being incorporated on the bike, allowing her to build strength and endurance without overstressing her body. She acknowledges the challenge of patience, expressing her eagerness to return to full training but recognizing the importance of a gradual approach.
Physical Recovery and Hormonal Adjustments
The athlete emphasizes the importance of allowing her body time to recover after childbirth. “I took the time to recover from the delivery,” she stated. “I needed this time to adapt to the new situation.” A key focus is strengthening her core muscles, which she notes are not yet at their pre-pregnancy strength. She’s working with her coach, Florian Clivaz, who has a deep understanding of the physiological changes associated with pregnancy and post-partum recovery, and consulting regularly with her gynecologist and midwife to ensure a safe and effective training plan.
Kambundji also acknowledges the lingering effects of hormonal changes. “The hormones are still playing tricks on me and making me not as fast, but that’s normal,” she said. While she’s unsure exactly how far she is from her peak performance, she’s encouraged by her progress in the gym, where she’s nearing her previous limits on certain exercises.
Family Life and Future Goals
Kambundji and her family have already embarked on several trips with baby Léon, including visits to Belek, Turkey, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where she supported her sister, Muswama, at the bobsleigh event during the Winter Olympics. She describes the experience as “super cool” and a special first Olympic experience for Léon. She notes that public interactions with Léon have been positive, with people generally being respectful and avoiding unwanted attention. Kambundji is mindful of protecting her son’s privacy and currently avoids sharing his face on social media, a decision she may revisit as he gets older.
Looking ahead, Kambundji is aiming for a return to competition in June, with the European Championships in Birmingham as a major goal. Longer-term, she’s setting her sights on the World Championships in Beijing in 2027 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. She emphasizes that she’s not feeling pressured and is focused on a sustainable and healthy return to the sport.
Mujinga Kambundji’s journey exemplifies the dedication and resilience required to succeed at the highest level of athletics, now coupled with the profound experience of motherhood. Her careful and considered approach to her comeback serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that it is possible to balance personal fulfillment with professional ambition.
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