Australian Olympian Ashleigh Gentle Announces Pregnancy After Miscarriage
Australian triathlete Ashleigh Gentle has announced she is pregnant, just three months after bravely competing in a triathlon shortly after suffering a miscarriage at seven weeks. The 35-year-old Olympian went public with the devastating news in December, following the celebration of her husband and fellow triathlete Josh Amberger's final race, while still planning to compete in her own season-ending event.
Emotional Journey and Athletic Resilience
Gentle recovered from what she described as one of the "worst" swims of her life to finish a fighting sixth in the T100 Triathlon grand final in Qatar, which helped secure her fourth place in the overall standings. After the race, she took to social media to express her feelings, writing, "Inspired by so many women around me. We are stronger than we know!" She added, "I really didn’t know how I would perform today and it’s a result that I wouldn’t be satisfied with at the start of the year, but today I’m walking away proud."
Looking Ahead to New Goals
Just last month, Gentle wrote that she felt refreshed from a summer break and was looking forward to "some big goals in mind for the next few years." However, those plans are now on hold as she embarks on a much more personal journey. On Thursday night, Gentle and Amberger shared the joyful news on social media, posting, "Baby Burger is cooking." The couple received an outpouring of support from triathletes worldwide, led by Australian star Matt Hauser.
Openness About Miscarriage and Support
Ahead of the Qatar event, Gentle was open about her miscarriage, stating, "It’s not something I’d ever wish on anyone." She described feeling overwhelmed with emotions while trying to celebrate her husband's career milestone. "Honestly, I felt a little crazy still getting on my original flight to Doha," she wrote. Gentle emphasized the importance of honesty, saying, "I could so easily share a different story and pretend everything has been perfect, but it’s exhausting, and the reality is that life doesn’t always unfold the way we hope." She added, "There should be absolutely no shame in experiencing a miscarriage — so many women go through it, yet it can feel incredibly isolating."
Career Achievements and Future Aspirations
Gentle is a two-time Olympian, having been selected for the triathlon team at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. She was also a key member of the mixed team relay that won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2018. In 2024, she added to her accolades with a bronze medal at the Ironman 70.3 world championships. Reflecting on her future, Gentle expressed gratitude for her opportunities in the sport, stating, "I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have in this sport, and there is still so much I want to achieve, I also hope that one day I’ll have the privilege of becoming a Mum."
