In this episode we are joined by Shiray Kaka, olympic gold medalist and a key member of one of the world's most successful sevens teams, the Black Ferns Sevens. 

Shiray is currently experiencing this journey at seven months post partum, however not only is she returning to sport after having her son but she's ALSO rehabbing from an ACL repair. Shiray shares her experience in a sport where this is becoming the norm, and support is growing by the day. 

EPISODE FIVE, SHIRAY KAKA - RUGBY SEVENS

In this episode we are joined by Kayla Whitelock, four time Olympian, former Black Sticks captain, and one of New Zealand's most respected hockey players. 

Having grown her young family to 5 (!) children, Kayla has been through this comeback journey twice, at a time when it wasn't being done by many and support was hard to come by. Having pathed much of her own way, Kayla shares how she did it and what differed the first and second time around. 



EPISODE FOUR, KAYLA WHITELOCK - HOCKEY

In this episode we are joined by Anna Taylor, Paralympic silver medalist, national record holder and world class para cyclist.

Anna shares her experience of navigating pregnancy and at five months postpartum, what that return is looking like in real time! Anna generously shares what has been most challenging for her, but how the incredible support from both Cycling NZ and her partner have helped create an environment that is helping to make all of this possible.

EPISODE THREE, ANNA TAYLOR - PARA CYCLIST

In this episode, we are joined by Samantha Child (née Charlton), a former Black Sticks midfielder, a 3 x Olympian who played 277 games for New Zealand across a 14 year career.

Sam's story is a unique one and shares how she navigated pregnancy and a return to international sport with twins! After having initial concerns about her fertility, Sam shares her experience of this journey, what the return to training looked like for her, and her thoughts about we can better support mums to help make this option of having a child during an athletic career an easier, more informed choice. 

EPISODE TWO, SAMANTHA CHILD - HOCKEY

In this episode we're joined by Troy Garton, a Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist and one of New Zealand's most accomplished female amateur boxers. Throughout her career, Troy has competed at the highest levels of international boxing, gaining first-hand experience of the demands and pressures of elite sport. 

Troy's story has it all - coming into boxing as more mature athlete and trying to plan her family around this unexpected timeline, to navigating a recovery from an emergency c-section to being back in the ring only weeks later, and explores the realities of navigating this journey in a sport with limited resources.

EPISODE ONE, TROY GARTON - BOXER

The Comeback Stories is a podcast exploring the lived experiences of New Zealand high performance athletes as they navigate pregnancy, motherhood, and the journey back to elite sport.

Hosted by Samantha Child and Troy Garton, each episode features honest conversations with some of New Zealand's most successful athletes who share the realities of balancing elite performance with starting a family. Together, they discuss the challenges, triumphs, support systems, and changes needed to ensure more athletes can return to sport feeling supported and empowered.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, sporting organisation or simply interested in the intersection of motherhood and high performance sport, The Comeback Stories shines a light on the experiences behind the comeback—and the changes needed to make every comeback possible.

Samantha Child

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