Katharine Merry: Motherhood, Menopause & Learning to Back Yourself

Olympic medallist and broadcaster Katharine Merry joins Kelly for a brilliantly candid conversation about life after elite sport, motherhood, hormones, resilience and learning to give yourself a break. Katharine reflects on becoming the fastest girl in the world at just 14, winning an Olympic medal and later breaking new ground as the first female stadium commentator at an Olympic Games. She also opens up about the physical and mental toll of elite athletics, retiring through injury and rebuilding her identity beyond sport. The conversation then turns to motherhood. Katharine shares what it was like having her children in her late 30s, why she thinks parenting teenagers is the hardest stage yet, and the advice that helped her through the exhausting early years. She also talks openly about perimenopause, hot flushes, irritability and poor sleep, her experience of HRT, and why finding the right medical support made such a difference. Plus, Katharine reveals her slightly unconventional form of self-care, why she’d choose a long shower over a spa day every time, and the two pieces of advice she wants every woman to remember: Back yourself — and stop beating yourself up. A funny, honest and reassuring conversation about the many different versions of ourselves we become throughout life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices