Allyson Felix: The Legend

The most decorated female track-and-field Olympian, all-time great Allyson Felix will retire from competition at the end of the 2022 season. The 36-year-old American has dominated the sport for more than two decades. Internationally, she is one of the most recognized, liked, and respected athletes both by the public and peers.

             Felix was born in Los Angeles, California to parents Paul and Marlean Felix. She attended Los Angeles Baptist High School where discovered her athletic talents. She credits her early success to her sprint coach, Jonathan Patton. In 2001, she won her first international title in the 100 meters at the Debrecen World Youth Championships, which continued for another two decades. Felix was named the national girls “High School Athlete of the Year”, in 2003. She graduated from USC with a degree in Elementary Education.

             Allyson won her first Olympic medal in the 200-meter sprint at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens as a teenager with the time of 22.18 seconds, which was a world junior record. She became the youngest world champion ever in the 200 meters at the 2005 Helsinki World Championships and defended the title in Osaka, Japan two years later. She competed in five Summer Olympics and won more medals than any other American track-and-field athlete in history – seven out of the 11 are gold. She has also won 19 World Championship medals – more than anyone else in the world. She is fighting so hard on and off the field for women’s voice to be heard and respected.

             “There have been more tears than celebrations, more doubt than confidence, more prayer than trash talking. What I’ve learned is that you have to keep going. Just don’t quit. When you get knocked down, get back up. Ask for help because you’ll never do it alone. Take small steps toward your passion and you’ll end up in your purpose,” says the legend.

You inspire us all, Allyson! 🙂