At Paradis Sport, we champion women who lead with strength, softness, and purpose—and few embody that more than our ambassador, Sarah Newberry Moore.
Sarah is a professional sailor, a mother, a mentor, and an unwavering advocate for showing up fully—as an athlete, a parent, and a whole person. She moves through life with intention, reminding us that motherhood and ambition aren’t opposing forces—they’re powerful partners.
In this conversation, Sarah shares what it means to pursue your dreams while also nurturing a family, how becoming a mom reshaped her perspective as an athlete, and why giving ourselves permission to rest is just as important as chasing the next win. Her voice is a grounding one, especially for women navigating transition—whether that’s stepping into motherhood, returning to sport, or simply redefining what success looks like.
We’re honored to have her in the Paradis community and even more excited to share her wisdom with you.
Q: Sarah, you’ve had an incredibly successful sailing career. Looking back, what influence did your own mother have on your journey?
Sarah: I grew up hearing sailing stories from my mom constantly. She had such a deep love for it—she grew up doing it and was right at the age in the 80s where she could have launched her own Olympic campaign. But then she got married and had me. Her stories were never told with regret, but there was always this magical “what could’ve been” energy around them. That feeling, that unfulfilled dream, gave me this mystical attraction to Olympic sailing.
In a way, her longing pushed me forward. It made me want to go after that dream even when it felt impossible. I think she believed in my potential because she understood what it meant to let that opportunity go.
Q: You’re not just an Olympian—you’re a mom. When you first became a parent, how did you navigate balancing that role with elite-level sailing?
Sarah: Honestly, I went into motherhood knowing it would be hard, especially while trying to compete at a high level. I did a deep dive—I started reaching out to women athletes, messaging them on Instagram, asking questions, interviewing anyone who would respond. I wanted to learn everything I could from people who’d done it before.
Even with all that amazing advice, though, nothing could truly prepare me for what I faced personally—with my teammate, with my coaches, with my federation. There were so many unknowns I hadn’t anticipated.
At one point, my teammate was very supportive but also concerned. He thought he’d end up taking on more of the load because I’d be parenting too. It wasn’t hostile—it was just honest. Navigating those kinds of dynamics felt like cutting through wild brush, trying to carve out a path no one had walked before. But over time, you find your rhythm. You figure out what works—how to share child care, how to train, how to speak up for what you need. And then a new challenge comes, and you do it all over again.
Q: You’re currently expecting your second child—congratulations! What has it been like to share that news with your team and to plan for your future in the sport while growing your family?
Sarah: Thank you! I knew after the 2024 Olympics that I wanted to try for another baby. I wasn’t sure how it would all play out, but I had this open mindset about it. At the same time, I knew my sailing partner was retiring, so it was this blank-slate moment—I could build a new program that fit being a mom of two.
Having been through one Olympic campaign as a parent, I learned a lot—about timing, about not springing last-minute plans on my husband or support system. My husband and I both made sacrifices during that last campaign, and we emerged happy and proud. But now, I know how to do it better. I know how to advocate for myself, for my kids, for the program I need.
Q: And the fact that LA 2028 is a home Games—how significant is that for you?
Sarah: Huge. LA is a great place to sail in the summer—which is perfect, because that’s when school’s out. I can bring my son with me for three months of training on the West Coast and not feel like I’m sacrificing too much of our time together.
Of course, the Olympic trials and international competition are still crucial, but being able to center the core of our program around Los Angeles is a game-changer. It makes the balance between parenting and performance feel more doable.
Q: You mentioned something powerful earlier—trying out new sailing partners while newly pregnant. What was that experience like?
Sarah: I became pregnant in November 2024 and started trying out new partners in the winter—prime sailing season in Miami. I had to tell my coach, my former Olympic partner, and these new potential teammates that I was pregnant and planning to do this with two kids.
The responses were mixed. Some people were incredibly supportive—my performance director has been phenomenal. But from others, especially some male teammates, I got hesitation. Like, “That’s amazing, but… can you really do that?” That stuck with me. It planted some doubt.
But then I reminded myself—I’ve already done this. I’ve proven I can do it. That doubt turned into motivation. It forced me to stop looking outward for permission and to trust myself.
Q: Training while pregnant is a whole other level. How have you prepared mentally and physically for this phase?
Sarah: This time, I took a different approach. After the 2024 Games, I got into the gym with my trainer three days a week. We focused on performance-based strength—movements that translate to sailing—and I lifted heavy leading into pregnancy.
Now, even in the first trimester, I’m still training. I’m not maxing out, but I’m lifting more than I expected. It’s honestly thrilling. Last week I got a pull-up, and I’m 22 pounds heavier—so that’s technically a weighted pull-up! It's been fun to see my body stay strong and capable through pregnancy, and I think it’s setting me up for a smoother return post-birth.
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Q: What are you most nervous about going into motherhood for the second time while staying committed to your sport?
Sarah: The thing I’m most afraid of is not being able to give my kids the love, attention, and presence they deserve. I’m so hands-on with my son. The idea of dividing that love and focus is a little heartbreaking. And I think a lot of parents—athletes or not—feel that way.
It’s about managing expectations and giving yourself grace. I know I’ll figure it out. But yeah, the fear is there.
Q: What excites you the most about this next chapter?
Sarah: I’m excited to love another child as deeply as I love my son. And I’m really looking forward to challenging myself to do this sport at the highest level again—but this time with even more perspective, more experience, and more clarity about what matters.
I’ve seen that there’s no single path to success in sport. People win medals and reach their dreams from all kinds of unconventional places. That idea—that there isn’t just one formula—fuels me. It gives me hope that I can build a program that fits my family, fits my lifestyle, and still leads to excellence.
Q: Any thoughts about what comes after 2028?
Sarah: I think 2028 is my next big campaign, for sure. But after that? Who knows. Maybe sports psychology or writing a book—I’ve thought about that. I’m passionate about helping others navigate these same questions. But for now, I’m still in the arena, still pushing forward.
Final thoughts from Sarah:
“There’s no perfect equation for being a world-class athlete or an amazing parent. But if you show up with integrity, work hard, and follow what matters most to you—there’s a path forward. You just have to carve it.”
