Allyson Felix knows the importance of using her platform to inspire others. She is one of the most successful track and field athletes ever, with 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals (including seven golds) over five Olympic Games.
But her story isn’t just about breaking records; it’s also about overcoming personal challenges and advocating for the rights of female athletes. Allyson openly credits her Christian faith with helping her through some incredibly tough times.
Allyson’s faith has always been a central part of her life. Growing up in a religious family, she learned to trust Jesus from a very young age. She credits this foundation for helping her stay grounded and focused throughout her career.
Trusting in God’s Plan
In 2018, during a difficult pregnancy Allyson developed preeclampsia, which led to an emergency C-section at 32 weeks. Her daughter, Camryn, was born prematurely. Allyson relied heavily on her faith during this time, praying and trusting that God had a plan for them both.
Allyson was quoted as saying, ‘The most important lesson that I have learned is to trust God in every circumstance. Lots of times we go through different trials and following God’s plan seems like it doesn’t make any sense at all. But God is always in control, and He will never leave us.’
Now retired and a mother of two, Allyson is in a unique position to understand the struggles that athlete mum’s face, and she is working to support them during the Olympics in Paris.
She has partnered with Pampers to set up the first-ever Pampers Nursery in the Athletes Village in Paris. This nursery will give Olympic mums a place to bond with and play with their children, helping them manage the pressures of competition.
Using Her Platform to Inspire Others
In a recent interview, Allyson mentioned that she understood how challenging it is to compete at the top level after having a child, noting that some of the practical aspects can be really hard.
‘When I joined the Athletes Commission of the IOC, I really wanted to be that voice for athlete mums. It’s just giving them one less thing to worry about in the pressure of competition.’
Allyson has become a powerful advocate for women’s rights in sports, using her platform to inspire others. Her faith is the reason she runs, and she believes her speed is a gift from God. Allyson runs for His glory, believing that whatever she achieves is because He allows it.
‘I can be a voice. I can use my platform to help the younger generation. It’s really important for them to understand how to do things the right way, not just in sports, but in life in general.’
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