Nike to end financial penalties for pregnant athletes

Allyson Felix celebrates a victory in the 400m at the 2016 US Olympic athletics trials in Eugene, Oregon [AFP]

US sporting goods giant Nike, under fire for financially penalizing sponsored athletes who become pregnant, is changing its maternity policy, the New York Times reported.

"We've recognized Nike, Inc., can do more, and there is an important opportunity for the sports industry collectively to evolve to better support female athletes," Sandra Carreon-John, a Nike spokeswoman, told the newspaper in an email on Friday.