Shauna Coxsey, the most successful competition climber in British history, approached pregnancy the same way she approached her World Cup career — on her own terms. In 2022, while pregnant with her daughter Frankie, she made headlines not just for expecting a child, but for continuing to do what she had done her entire life: climbing .

Throughout her pregnancy, Coxsey remained active, climbing both indoors and outdoors under the guidance of medical professionals . She worked closely with a women's health physiotherapist from as early as eight weeks pregnant to ensure her activities were safe for both herself and her baby . Her training included finger-strength sessions, board sessions, and climbing sessions lasting up to four hours .

Remarkably, she continued climbing until the evening before Frankie's birth . At 38 and 39 weeks pregnant, she shared videos of herself climbing at Sheffield's climbing center, with her husband Ned Feehally providing support .https://s8bet.social/ceo-nui-tung-mtp/

Not everyone approved. Coxsey received negative comments on social media from people who perceived her climbing as risky or irresponsible . She responded directly and unapologetically.

"Everyone evaluates risk differently, and I believe that people consider me climbing as risky, but I wouldn't put my baby in danger," she told BBC Radio 5 Live . In an interview with The Telegraph, she elaborated: "My decision to climb is not a case of being reckless or careless, I'm very much within my comfort zone — more than I feel when driving my car" .

She emphasized that what viewers perceived as difficult was relative: "What people see me doing, in their head, they perceive as difficult because it might be for them. I'm doing maybe five percent of the amount of climbing I was doing in the lead up to Tokyo" .

Beyond defending her own choices, Coxsey used the experience to advocate for all pregnant women. She noted that many women feel judged for exercising during pregnancy, and some friends had stopped climbing entirely because of "funny looks" . She found this deeply saddening.

"Ultimately, it's about women making choices and people respecting the choices that women make about their own bodies," she told the Women's Sports Alliance . She also called for greater support for female athletes navigating pregnancy, noting that "many sportswomen don't talk about family planning because they lack support" .

After Frankie's birth, Coxsey launched what she called "Project Come Back Stronger" . She acknowledged the challenges of training while breastfeeding and emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and recovery . However, her journey was not without setbacks — following her pregnancy, she was dropped by a major sponsor, Adidas, which she addressed publicly with disappointment .

Nevertheless, Coxsey has continued to climb at an elite level outdoors, sending multiple V14 boulders and pursuing her goal of climbing V15 as a mother . Her pregnancy journey stands as a powerful statement about athleticism, motherhood, and a woman's right to choose.