Birgit Skarstein: Pregnant, Honest – and More Commercially Viable Than Ever
Birgit Skarstein has always been one to leave her mark. But in recent weeks, she has struck a chord that extends far beyond the sports field. When she recently revealed she was six months pregnant during the filming of a major TV project, it wasn't just news. It was a statement. In a society that still struggles to envision a wheelchair user as a mother, or an elite athlete simultaneously carrying a new life, she challenges all our preconceived notions.
In an honest chat with the press recently, she admitted she "tried to stay out of" the spotlight during this period. But that's precisely the kind of thing that's difficult to do when you're Birgit Skarstein. Because whether she wants to or not, she represents something much bigger than herself. She is a symbol that bodies and abilities cannot be boxed into simple categories.
The Birgit Brand: Authenticity as Currency
In an era where influencers scream for attention with polished lives, Birgit is the shield that bursts the bubble. Her brand is built on something as rare as authentic courage. It's not about selling detox tea or clothes, but about selling an idea that anything is possible. And that's precisely why commercial players should take note. Because when Birgit speaks, people listen. Not because she's perfect, but because she's real.
Her point that "society needs to see more pregnant people" hit me right in the heart. Because there's a deeper truth to it. We need to see that life goes on, that joy and achievement exist in all forms, regardless of physical circumstances. By showcasing her own pregnancy, she normalises something that should never have been abnormal. And that's where the commercial opportunity lies: Companies associated with these values – inclusion, strength, and genuine living – will win in the long run.
Three reasons why Birgit Skarstein is a dream for advertisers
- Credibility: She has no need to sugar-coat the truth. Her brand has been built over years of sporting achievements and clear opinions. Consumers know that what they see is the real deal.
- Reach beyond sport: She doesn't just engage sports enthusiasts, but also people passionate about equality, diversity, and family life. This gives her a unique breadth in target audience.
- An ever-relevant story: From Paralympic gold to motherhood – Birgit's narrative is dynamic. It gives brands the opportunity to associate with different phases of her life, thereby creating long-lasting campaigns.
Sources close to her confirm that her new life situation has only made her more sought-after. Several brand strategists I've spoken to agree: The modern consumer demands more than a product. They demand a story, a soul. Birgit Skarstein is a story that no one could invent. For companies looking to build long-term loyalty, a partnership with her could be worth more than ten campaigns with perfect models. She offers credibility – a rare commodity in today's advertising industry.
At the same time, she is conscious of her own private life. She doesn't want to become a "celebrity" in the traditional sense, but a voice that matters. That only makes her more attractive. Because in a world where everything is over-exposed, the one who chooses to step back suddenly becomes the most interesting.
What does this mean for business?
As Birgit now enters a new phase as a mother, while simultaneously aiming for new sporting goals, interest will only grow. She tried to stay out of it, as she said herself. But honestly, who would be able to? Not me, and definitely not a country like Ireland that needs role models who dare to be real.
For the companies that have already signed with her, or are considering it: You have gold dust. Birgit Skarstein is not just one of the world's top para-athletes; she is a mirror of the society we want to become – more inclusive, more real, and with room for every story. And that, folks, is something people will pay to be a part of.