If you stay on top of sports news, or have tuned into any of the last four Summer Olympics, the name Allyson Felix has become synonymous with winning in the world of track and field.
On Friday in Tokyo, the great Allyson Felix once again defied the odds to take home the bronze in the women’s 400- meter final. The bronze medal finish now makes her the most decorated female track and field athlete in Olympic history, as well as one of the most dedicated community enhancers in the sport.
@allysonfelix Has New Sneaker and Accessory Line Called #Saysh https://t.co/AH640sDCeQ pic.twitter.com/k2s7vKh9RS
— The Shadow League (@ShadowLeague) June 27, 2021
The 35-year-old has won six gold medals, three silver medals and now, this bronze tying her with running legend Carl Lewis’ and his U.S record of 10 medals. She finished the race at 49.46, her fastest time in this particular event in six years, and since giving birth to daughter Camryn, 2.
She can become the most decorated ever male or female, if she medals on Saturday as a member of the 4-x-400 meter.
The Tokyo Games marked Felix’ first as a mother and fifth overall, she shared some thoughts on her journey back to the track during the Olympic Trials in June.
“Today I thought about all the things,” Felix said. “I thought about us fighting in the NICU, fighting for me and my daughter’s life. Whatever happened, I just knew to give all glory to the most high.”
In 2018, Felix underwent an emergency cesarean section and gave birth to her daughter two months early. At birth daughter Camryn, whom Felix said weighed only three pounds at birth, would then spend 29 days in the NICU.
In a show of her grit and perseverance ten months later, she won her 12th World Championship gold medal, breaking legendary sprinter Usain Bolt’s record.
Felix Breaks Bolt’s Record For Most World Championship Medals
What a way for Felix to go out in the final individual race of her illustrious and highly-decorated Olympic career. Especially considering all she’s endured since the 2016 Rio Games, as it pertains to her battle with sports and apparel giant Nike as well as the birth of her daughter being complicated and very high-risk.
A medal in tomorrow’s relay would be what many probably call the proverbial icing-on-the-cake, but, IMO she’s long iced her cake and ate it too. Now she’s even sharing some, to help empower the next generation of women.
