Nine Victorious Moms who have Shown They've Got the Power

Many things change when a baby comes in the family. There are mothers who give up their career to devote themselves to the family and mothers who come back victorious, showing to the whole world you can have both: career and a loving family.

Around us are many mothers who teach us that family life doesn’t mean ending a career. From millions of such great women, I’ll present you nine of them.

Kim Clijsters has recently won the 2009 U.S. Open Women's Championship. She is the mother of a little girl, Jada. After 29 years, another mom won the Grand Slam singles title.

Dara Torres has 12 Olympic medals and a daughter, Tessa. She’s the first U.S. swimmer that competed in five Olympics. After she gave birth, Torres won three silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Paula Radcliff has several long-distance running world records. Voted by BBC Sports as Personality of the Year, she also has a daughter, Isla, born in 2007. In 2008 Radcliff won for the third time The ING New York City Marathon.

Oksana Chusovitina is one of the highest ranked gymnasts around the world. She’s the only female gymnast who competed in five Olympic Games. Unfortunately her son Alisher has acute lymphocytic leukemia, but he has a secure treatment now, thanks to those who donated funds.

Candace Parker is a member of WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. Best known as the first player to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, she is also the younger sister of Anthony Parker, an NBA star. Mother of Lailaa Nicole, she has won in 2009 the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice award, being the favorite female athlete, according to Never Say Diet.

Melanie Roach has set a world record by lifting 250 lbs – that’s more than her weight. Mother of three kids, unfortunately one with autism, she’s a member of Athletes Against Autism. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics Roach established a new personal and American record, lifting 435.5 lbs, split into two sessions.

Nancy Lopez is a winner of 48 LPGA Tour events, three major championships, and mother of three children. Her name is on the World Golf Hall of Fame, starting her career at the early age of 20.

Gabrielle Reece has lots of titles in her portfolio: professional volleyball player, fashion model, ports announcer, and one of the five most beautiful Women in the World, named by Elle in 1989. Mother of two girls, Viola and Brody Jo, Reece has a thriving television and fitness career.

Best known for her wonderful performances with late husband Sergei Grinkov, Ekaterina Gordeeva is twice Olympic figure skating champion. She has her name on the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame; her daughter Daria Sergeyevna must be really proud of her.

Taking care of your health, you can be a star for your child too, with or without nominations and awards. It’s important to give an example of healthy living and hard work.