As soon as Sey Chelle received the news that she was pregnant, she knew she wanted to keep competing.
There was no element of doubt as Sey Chelle underlined her commitment to represent the United States at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships.
Just one week before competition got underway in Abu Dhabi, the 38-year-old took to social media to announce that she was three months pregnant and would be flying to the Emirati capital ready to paddle with pride.
Preparations have not been easy for Sey Chelle as she has endured sickness, fatigue and disrupted sleep but she is delighted to now be participating at the World Championships.
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“I didn’t make my decision until after I knew I was pregnant and I had no questions, I was like for sure I am going to come here,” said Sey Chelle.
“I am passed the first trimester sickness.
“I am feeling a lot better.
“I still have some of the nausea and the fatigue but considering what I’ve just been through in the last couple of months in training I am feeling pretty good.
“I feel very different to what I am used to be being right now, but I am just trying to stay present, enjoy the experience and embrace every moment.”
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Sey Chelle, who became SUP world champion in sprint in 2023 and was a silver medallist in the category last year, has thanked friends and family for their support after opting to step into “uncharted territory”.
“I really wanted the news to be out there because I am a very open and authentic person and I like to set that example,” said Sey Chelle.
“It felt like the right thing to do to announce that.
“The support has been fantastic, and the response has been really great.
“I think everything in life is better when you share the experience, not only with my close friends and family but the entire paddle sport community.
“I think fans and followers appreciate knowing as well.”
Sey Chelle said it’s been a “unique experience” as she looks to show what’s possible as a pregnant athlete competing at the highest level in her sport.
The American paddler has made a fantastic start in Abu Dhabi, topping her women’s sprint quarter-final ahead of reigning world champion and compatriot Katniss Paris on Wednesday.
“I just want to do my best,” said Sey Chelle.
“I don’t know if this year is my year but that’s okay.
“Even if I don’t win, I am at a top level being pregnant and that sets an example in itself.
“Only a couple of weeks ago, I was thinking why I am doing this, trying to train for the World Championships while going through the hardest weeks of pregnancy.
“One of the things I am really doing this for is to put the example out there for women, you don’t have to stop, your career doesn’t have to go on hold. You can do both.
“Obviously things are different and new, it’s uncharted.
“It’s opened up curiosity, I’ve felt things that I hadn’t felt before and that’s been a cool experience.
“You can do both, but you don’t have to.
“I don’t say that everyone should do what I am doing.
“But I’m showing the possibilities of what women can do when they are pregnant.
“I am one of many female athletes that are setting that example and sharing that there is so much more out there.”
Full coverage of the ICF SUP World Championships from Friday to Sunday can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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