The return of Australian netball player Paige Hadley to competition barely ten weeks after giving birth was supposed to be a commendable achievement.
However, the 33-year-old has disclosed that during her return to the game, she was subjected to some repulsive remarks.
After giving birth to a child named Tully in late February, Hadley played again for the NSW Swifts over the weekend.
She has talked about the consequences of encountering hate on the internet despite her amazing physical and mental recovery.
She told the ABC, “My love for the game is stronger than ever, so why should I have to choose between becoming a mother and playing netball? Unfortunately, not everyone was in my corner throughout this whole process, some thought it was a joke or far-fetched.”
Just ten weeks after giving birth, Paige Hadley (pictured) has quickly returned to netball.
On social media, Hadley (shown with her infant) has received critical feedback. “I had all of those comments: ‘Why are you even trying, just go be a parent’ and ‘Once he’s here you won’t even want to be a netballer,’ Hadley stated.
In her chosen sport, the two-time premiership winner already has a stellar record.
She has participated in five grand finals and won two Netball World Cups while playing for Australia, in addition to her two crowns.
She is defiant and has pledged to keep going in spite of the tiny minority that is targeting her.
“Everyone seems to have a different opinion about my return, but the thing about pregnancy and motherhood is different for everyone,” Hadley said. “I love my little baby boy tenfold, and I would do anything for him, so to hear comments like ‘Paige should be home with her son’ is really hard.” “He is my priority, but I also want women to know you don’t have to choose between becoming a mother and your career.”
The senior Swifts player aspires to serve as an influence to many people in her life, particularly her son.
One of the top players for the NSW Swifts is the new mother (seen on the left).
With her recent achievement, Hadley (pictured) intends to inspire people. “I hope when he’s older, he realises that his mum is brave and courageous and you don’t have to choose one single thing to define you,” Hadley continued.
“I want to show my son that anything is possible.” “No one says that to my partner, so why should they say that to me?”
