‘Should be no shame’: Aussie Olympian competing a week after miscarriage
An Aussie Olympian faces an extraordinary test of mental strength as she prepares to race days after some heartbreaking personal news.
Australian Olympian Ashleigh Gentle will compete in a triathlon this weekend after suffering a miscarriage just a week ago.
The two-time Olympian revealed on social media she has made the brave decision to race in the T100 Triathlon in Qatar after experiencing a miscarriage last week at around seven weeks pregnant.
Gentle said she had been overwhelmed by emotions when she discovered the heartbreaking news while her husband Josh Amberger was in Chile racing the last triathlon of his career.
“It’s not something I’d ever wish on anyone” the 34-year-old said in vulnerable Instagram post sharing her pregnancy loss.
“I’ve been overwhelmed with emotions while also trying to celebrate Josh’s final triathlon in Chile. Honestly, I felt a little crazy still getting on my original flight to Doha.
“I have no idea whether I can be competitive on Friday (I wanted to be honest here) and I hope no one feels let down by this.
“I could so easily share a different story and pretend everything has been perfect, but it’s exhausting, and the reality is that life doesn’t always unfold the way we hope.
“There should be absolutely no shame in experiencing a miscarriage - so many women go through it, yet it can feel incredibly isolating.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have in this sport, and there is still so much I want to achieve, I also hope that one day I’ll have the privilege of becoming a Mum xxx.”
Gentle was inundated with messages of support, while her husband Amberger said: “Very courageous of @gentle_ash to share the news of her miscarriage.
“I left her at home to see through my dreams in Chile, but she went on to experience a heartbreaking loss.
“It’s a duality that still feels surreal, not having been there to support her or being able to properly process it abroad. I’m on my way to Qatar now to finally be there for her. Asha I’m in awe of your courage, & also your spirit to finish off the season.”
Gentle added: “I feel relief being honest about this, so thank you for the kindness and support!
“I’m happy that my openness seems to have been helpful to others too, this is important to me.
“Now to focus on getting as ready as I can for this ‘little’ race tomorrow’.”
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Gentle competed at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics — she finished 26th in the individual event in Rio and was ninth in the mixed relay in Tokyo.
Gentle is an 11-time Noosa Triathlon champion, winning the past 10 editions of the iconic Queensland event.
The T100 triathlon in Qatar this weekend is comprised of a 2km swim, 80k bike ride and 18km run.
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