Elinor Barker: From the pain of endometriosis to making sporting history

Endometriosis can negatively impact fertility, but Barker’s son Nico, born in 2022, was in Paris to see his mother win two medals.

Barker says having her family around made her medal success extra special, but she never thought about winning medals for her son too.

“It’s funny because a lot of people say, ‘I’m doing it for my kids.’ I’m definitely not doing it for him because he doesn’t know what’s going on,” she joked.

“That’s what makes it so special, because as a mother you’re expected to do everything for your children. But this is something that’s all mine and the other adults in my life who have supported me. It’s fun to bring him along too.”

Barker says combining cycling with motherhood is incredibly rewarding.

“It’s the most incredible, hardest but also best thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

“I couldn’t have done it without my husband Casper (Jopling). He’s so incredibly supportive and supportive and willing to spend as much time as possible as a single dad.

“Our parents are great. We don’t live nearby but they are always willing to look after us if we need them. If they have to come to us or travel around the world to help look after Nico when I’m racing and Casper is at work, they are there.

“My road team (Uno-X) and British Cycling have been so supportive and open-minded about how things can work and how I can get the most out of my training without spending unnecessary time away from Nico.

“That’s the most important thing in my life and cycling is absolutely subordinate to that.”