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Team USA: Our Favorite Olympian Moms

Between the grueling training sessions and never-ending travel, it seems the the professional life of an Olympic athlete is anything but easy. But imagine how much harder you'd have to work for that gold medal around your neck if there was a diaper bag on your arm. While watching the London games this week, we couldn't help but wonder how many female athletes work double-duty as moms. From high-jumpers and hurdlers to goal kickers and track stars, we were happily surprised to see just how many mothers are representing Team USA. Whether you're in need of some motivation or you simply can't get enough of this year's games—check out our list of mighty moms who are going for gold.
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By Rachel Sylvester, Assistant Editor, The Knot
Updated August 1, 2012
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Kerri Walsh-Jennings (Beach Volleyball)

This two-time defending Olympic gold medalist is a mother to two boys—Joseph Michael, 3, and Sundance Thomas, 2.

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Image: zimbio.com

Danielle Scott-Arruda & Tayyiba Haneef-Park (Indoor Volleyball)

These Long Beach State standouts both know how to balance work and play. When they're not busy being Olympians, they're even busier being moms! Danielle has a two-year-old daughter, Julianne while Tayyiba is mom to two-year-old AJ.

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Image: christierampone.com

Christie Rampone (Soccer)

This year's 2012 London Games will mark Rampone's fourth Olympic appearance. Off the field, she's mom to two daughters—Rylie, 6, and two-year-old Reece.

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Image: mom.me

Lashinda Demus (Track & Field)

How adorable is this photo of Lashinda and her five-year-old twin boys? Just weeks after giving birth in 2007, this track star was already back to training!

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Image: fieldhockeylife.net

Keli Smith-Puzo (Field Hockey)

Even the stress of the 2012 Olympics can't distract Keli from what she favors most—her sons Xavi, 2, and Ian, 11-months. After a July 29th game, the field hockey player tweeted: "so wonderful to be reunited with my 3 boys".

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Image: mysanantonio.com

Chaunte Lowe (Track & Field)

Not only is Lowe a mother of two, but she holds the American women's record in the high jump. Daughters Jasmine (4) and Aurora (15-months) must be proud!

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Image: blogs.amway.com

Kara Goucher (Running)

"I try to do some good in the world by sharing my love of running with other people," wrote the runner on her website. Since we're not too thrilled at the idea of a long distance jog, let's hope Kara's athleticism rubs off on her two-year-old son, Colton.

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Image: candaceparker.net

Candace Parker (Basketball)

We've all heard of Basketball Wives, but what about Basketball Moms? Parker is an Olympic gold medalist and proud mama to her three-year-old daughter, Lailaa.

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Image: zimbio.com

Mickey Kelly (Pentathlon)

This photo alone proves that Mickey is no mom to be messed with. Bet you didn't guess that this new mother (to 9-month old Lily) is a U.S. Army Captain and member of the Army's World-Class Athlete Program.

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Image: kyhorsepark.com

Laura Kraut (Equestrian Show Jumping)

Kraut made her Olympic debut as an alternate at the 1992 games before winning gold in 2008. Her biggest supporter? Thirteen-year-old son, Bobby.

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Image: 975koolfm.com

Aretha Thurmond (Discus Throwing)

This mom has got an arm! Aretha trains hard to balance two jobs—world class thrower and mother to her five-year-old son, Devon Theoppolis.

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Image: olympicgirls.net

Amy Acuff (Track & Field)

Adding yet another high-jumper to our list, 36-year-old Acuff has made the Olympic team —get this— five times. In a recent interview, Amy talked about bouncing back after baby: "You come back stronger. There's definitely some mama power." We like to think her two-year-old daughter Elsa, would agree.

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