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Allyson Felix will retire from sports after the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, but the most decorated track athlete of all time has pledged to leave it all out there as her “amazing journey” comes to an end.
Felix, 36, has been a stalwart of the US track and field squad, competing in five Olympics, while Eugene will be her tenth world championships appearance.
She became the most decorated athlete, male or female, during her brilliant career, winning 18 world and 13 Olympic medals.
Among such achievements were Olympic gold in the 200m in London in 2012, three world medals in the same distance, and one in the 400m.
“I aspire to be remembered as a hard competitor, but I think what’s more important to me is leaving this sport better than I found it,” Felix told media in Eugene on Thursday.
“I’m going to take it all in, have fun, and let it all hang out.” It’s going to be quite emotional,” Felix, a member of the USA’s mixed relay team, added.
“It’s been a fantastic adventure.” I’ve had a great deal of enjoyment throughout the years. There have been numerous highs and lows. I adore the sport; it has shattered my heart on several times, but it has also given me many wonderful memories.”
“I’ll miss it terribly, but there’s no better way to go out than with a heart full of thanks and respect for everyone who’s supporting me and the teams I’ve been on all through the years.”
Off-track advocacy
While Felix’s longevity and form ensured she was a constant in dominant US relay teams throughout the years, she has also received praise for her activism for female equality.
She has since become an outspoken advocate for the rights of working mothers, and she parted with long-time sponsors Nike in 2019 after criticising the sportswear company for reducing her pay when she became pregnant.
Felix also collaborated with sponsor Athleta and non-profit group &Mother, which he co-founded with two-time world champion Alysia Montano, to provide free child care to competitors, coaches, and staff at the US championships.
“The last three years have been the most trying for sure, and now as I think on those years, I can’t believe I got it through,” Felix added, urging for a “holistic approach” to female athletes.
Her off-track campaigning was not missed on reigning men’s world 200m champion Noah Lyles, who paid a heartfelt homage to Felix.
Felix, Lyles explained, first came to his attention when he and his younger brother Josephus were watching her win gold at the London Olympics.
“I was looking at her, and she’s the quickest lady in the world,” he said.
However, Lyles praised Felix’s media skills, ability to switch events, going from the 200m to the 400m, and her outspoken stance against Nike.
“She was going up against Nike!” he exclaimed.
“I don’t think people realise how powerful Nike is in the US.”
The presence of the erudite Felix, who took a back-to-basics approach to increasing the appeal of track and field in the United States, where the sport is swamped by American football, basketball, and baseball, will undoubtedly be missed.
“We need to get out there and keep them connected, liking the sport and having fun, while also producing an appealing product…”
