In several self-authored articles in the New York Times, female athletics stars from the US criticize the sports company Nike and their decision to cancel sponsorship agreements during pregnancies.

Among the names is middle distance runner Alysia Johnson, who writes: “Many sportswear companies like Nike claim to lift female athletes. But it's just marketing ”

Allyson Felix was denied a sponsorship agreement

Now, one of the biggest American athletics stars of all time is behind the criticism. Allyson Felix, the sprint rider who has won six Olympic gold medals and ten World Cup golds, became pregnant in early 2018 and gave birth to her daughter in November.

When she renewed her sponsorship agreement with Nike, which expired in December 2017, the company wanted to pay 70 percent less than before.

“This despite all my successes. I thought that's what I'm worth now. But when I asked not to be punished for not being as good the months after childbirth, they declined to sign an agreement with me. Since then, we have not agreed, writes Felix.

"Who can feel safe?"

She now questions how the company thinks: “I have been one of Nike's most marketed athletes. Who can feel safe during motherhood unless I can? "

The criticism has prompted Nike to admit that they need a new policy for pregnant sports stars that they sponsor.