Chelsea Pitman quits international netball to end harrowing pregnancy turmoil
Chelsea Pitman, who won Australia’s World Cup gold with the Diamonds and England’s Commonwealth gold with the Roses, has retired from international netball.
The 35-year-old is said to “look a little deeper into the pregnancy problems” she suffered from.
While playing for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2020, Pitman revealed she had suffered two miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy – where an egg implants in a fallopian tube rather than the uterus – within two years.
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“I’ve made it no secret that I’ve tried to become a mother in the past and had problems,” she said Monday, choking back tears.
“But I think it’s time to delve a little deeper into why my body has failed me in this regard. The sacrifice that comes with being away from home and engaging with my own body is something I just can’t do anymore.
“Well, I’m going to miss it. But you will still see me (in domestic netball). I didn’t want to get emotional.”
The decision to withdraw from the international games was “extremely hard” but “the right time,” she added.
She added: “What an epic journey. What a roller coaster ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
In a separate statement, Pitman lamented the reality she had to deal with even as an elite athlete taking care of herself.
“My body actually feels better now than it did when I was in my mid-20s,” she said.
“But unfortunately as a woman, age eventually means that the dreaded ‘fertility clock’ starts ticking. It’s time for me to do everything in my power now to secure the chance of becoming a mother in the future.
“It gives me confidence that I am preparing for the future I want after retiring from netball at all levels.”
Pitman received support from across the netball world.
Geva Mentor said: “I love your roommate, I will still come to visit and accompany you no matter where in the world you are, so move over Harry, I want my roommate back!” Enjoy a superstar’s retirement, especially after an outstanding international career. We are so proud of you.”
Renae Ingles wrote: “Congratulations Chels! Enjoy this retirement! You deserve it! Very proud of you and your site.”
Maria Folau said: “What a ride Pitty. You were brave enough to face situations that not many of us were able to overcome as successfully as you did. Furthermore, you are a great person. Love your courage and determination. Well done, brother.”
As a winger, Pitman won the World Cup with the Diamonds in Singapore in 2011.
After leaving the team after 2012, she was called up by England in 2017 and qualified as her father was born there.
She helped her adopted country beat Australia in the netball final at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast the following year and win their first major title, as well as silver (2023) and bronze (2019) at the World Cup.
Sydneysider Pitman also played for the Queensland Firebirds and West Coast Fever in Australia and won titles with both Canterbury Tactix and Central Pulse in New Zealand and Manchester Thunder and London Pulse in England.
– with 7NEWS
