We caught up with swimming legend Bethany Firth to find out more about her experience of coming back to sport after having a baby.
Bethany is well known for being one of our most distinguished athletes. In the pool she is a multiple Paralympic champion and out of the water, Bethany has become a Mummy. Just over a year after giving birth, she made her return to competition in September 2025. It was a return in true champion style, claiming a silver medal in the Women’s S14 100m Backstroke Final at the World Para Swimming Championships. Life has certainly changed for Bethany; she no longer naps whenever she wants between training. It’s now her daughter Charlotte’s time.
Bethany has discovered a new kind of peace and appreciation for swimming. Away from late night wake ups and Mummy commitments throughout the day she finds solace in the pool,
“I just like being in the water and having my own time. It’s lovely and quiet. Put your head under the water. You don’t hear a thing.”
Dr Bethany Firth OBE Under water swimming
Bethany has two teams behind her, one is an elite group of professionals as competes on the world stage, the other is her family, and specifically her mum. Charlotte enjoys splashing around in the water and Bethany wants to share the joy of sport with her. She has a newfound appreciation for her own Mummy, “I couldn’t swim or do anything without Mum. My Mum does so much for me and Charlotte. I hope I am half as good as my Mummy.”
Bethany’s advice to women returning to sport is to take your time and be kind,
“It’s amazing for women to come back. Don’t rush it. I think it’s more about being patient with yourself and giving yourself time. I’m a lot kinder to myself. Just enjoy it and enjoy the process.”
Lisa Gordon, Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Sport NI Sports Institute, has been working with Bethany for years. Lisa told us how incredible it has been to support Bethany through her journey into motherhood and return to sport. Lisa said, “it’s been a pleasure to work with her and to get her back to World Championships and winning medals. I’m really proud of her”.
At home, Bethany’s focus is firmly on her daughter Charlotte but in the water, she’s a competitor, Bethany the swimmer.