Ana Cabecinha denounces loss of sponsorships during pregnancies

Former Olympic race walker Ana Cabecinha has spoken out against the loss of sponsorships during her pregnancies, highlighting a systemic issue where female athletes in Portugal often face a choice between motherhood and their professional careers.

Cabecinha revealed that she lost sponsorship support on two separate occasions. In 2021, following a pregnancy that resulted in a loss at three months, sponsors withdrew because she would not be able to provide brand visibility while inactive. Although they attempted to reconnect after the loss, she felt compelled to accept due to financial necessity. A similar situation occurred in 2024, where sponsors abandoned her during her pregnancy despite her training for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

While noting that sponsors attempted to re-engage with her after she was named Portugal's flag bearer for the Paris Opening Ceremony, Cabecinha emphasized the difficulty of maintaining career stability without consistent financial support. She contrasted this negative experience with the support she received from her club, the municipality of Olhão, the Portuguese Athletics Federation, and the Portuguese Olympic Committee.