Balancing motherhood and the Olympics

The London 2012 Olympic Games are set to begin on Friday, July 27, 2012. Many of the women who are participating in the Summer Games are more than athletes, they are also moms. Let's learn a little more about three such women — members of Team USA, Christie Rampone, Kerri Walsh and LaShinda Demus.

Christie Rampone

Team USA Soccer

The 2012 London Games will be the fourth Olympics for Christie Rampone. Rampone has three Olympic medals — silver in 2000 and gold in both 2004 and 2008. Like every mom, Rampone aims to balance her career and her family the best she can.

"I try not [to] control everything and focus more on the important things," says Rampone. "I do my best to be there for my daughters, always trying to stay ahead of what needs to be done. And I work with our fitness coach, Dawn Scott, to make sure I am going in the right direction with my training and diet. At the end of the day, I cannot force things with my kids or my training for the Olympics. I do the best I can with both and try to prioritize so the things that truly matter are covered. Whether I am training or being a mom, my focus is always 100 percent. I stay in the moment, always. Having an equal balance with both motherhood and the U.S. Women’s Olympic Football Team helps me as a mother and being a captain."

Even as a world class athlete, Rampone has some of the same concerns of many other moms.

"My [hang-up] has always been my butt and my thighs. But I’m more proud of my body since having kids. This is what I look like and I’m comfortable with it. I’m not a perfect shape, but I’m fit and healthy, so I should be proud of it."

Read about how to throw a 2012 Olympic party for kids >>

Next up: Meet Olympian and mom, Kerri Walsh >>

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Kerri Walsh

Team USA Volleyball

Kerri Walsh is one of the most famous volleyball players in the world. The 2012 Summer Games are the fourth Olympics for Walsh, who has two gold medals. Walsh isn't just an Olympian — she's also a mother of two.

"I have realized that I need a lot more help — it takes a village. Our boys are really reasonable and they travel the world like champs. My husband is also an amazing husband and father. This helps immensely to keep our family close. I want to teach my kids to chase their dreams and they can learn so much by being vulnerable and challenging themselves. Being a mother was my ultimate dream and being able to go after my third gold medal with them behind me is the best feeling in the world. Pampers [Walsh is sponsored by the company] is such a beautiful brand and they make babies and families lives more special and wonderful. My partnership is a family partnership which is so special to me; it’s not just me anymore, I am a working mom. The spirit of play of my children is just beautiful."

Check out these free Olympics printables for kids >>

Next up: Meet Olympian and mom, LaShinda Demus >>

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LaShinda Demus

Team USA Track and Field

LaShinda Demus is the three-time USA Outdoor 400m hurdles champion — and she's also a mother of twins.

"This is by far one of the most exciting and proudest moments in my life," says Demus. "They are now 5 years old and very protective of their mother!"

Demus was an Olympian in 2004, gave birth to her boys in June 2007 and is now back at the Olympics this summer.

"I'm still trying to figure out what's the best solution for balancing motherhood and training, and I always come up with the same answer," says Demus. "You have to start by having a husband that's on the same page and willing to split the load."

Read about what your kids can learn from the Olympics >>

For photos, videos, and all-things-Olympics, visit www.teamusa.org or www.NBCOlympics.com.

Images: Mitchell Haaseth, NBC Olympics

Watch this video to see members of Team USA talk about their kids and about taking part in the London 2012 Olympics.