She’s a runner, she’s a track star!
American track star Allyson Felix is now the most decorated female track-and-field athlete of all time. In her final race in the Olympics Games, she won her 11th Olympic medal in women’s 4×400 relay, taking gold. A day earlier, she won bronze in the 400-m in Tokyo.
The 35-year-old ran the second leg along with Sydney McLaughlin, Dalilah Muhammad, and Athing Mu to finish in 3:16.85 seconds. U.S. took home the win by nearly 4 seconds over Poland (3:20.53). Jamaica (3:21.24) took bronze.
US team of Sydney McLaughlin, Allyson Felix, Dalilah Muhammad and Athing Mu win the 4×400 relay, giving Felix her 11th Olympic medal, more than any American in track and field history.
Carl Lewis held the record with 10 medals until this week.pic.twitter.com/WOM8aojsC3
advertisement— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) August 7, 2021
“I feel at peace,” Felix told reporters. “I went out, had all the confidence in these amazing women. I wanted to take it all in one last time around, and it was special.”
Felix passed Merlene Ottey of Jamaica for the most medals won by a woman in the sport. Felix has now surpassed Carol Lewis for the most medals won by an American track star. The Olympian and mom now has seven golds, three silver, one bronze to Lewis’ nine golds and silver. Six of her medals have come from the 4×400 relay, which U.S. has won at every Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Humbled to hear that from thee legend! The source of endless inspiration! Thank you so much https://t.co/jkO8nkBRU8
— Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) August 7, 2021
“I was just honored,” Muhammad said about running with the other women, especially Felix. “Of course she earned it, but she’s so deserving of it too. I’ve just been inspired by her throughout my entire career.”
Athens.
Beijing.
London.
Rio.
Tokyo.advertisement5 Olympic Games. 10 Olympic medals.
Legend. @allysonfelix #OlympicHERstory | #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/ish40Hm2OG
— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) August 7, 2021
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She won the race wearing her new sneakers, which she launched after ending her partnership with Nike. As previously reported, Felix collaborated with Nike, appearing in promotions and donning their logo on her racing tops, shorts, and compression shin sleeves. In 2018, she spoke candidly about the tumultuous birthing experience that almost claimed the life of her and her daughter Camryn. She had to have an emergency c-section at 32 weeks. During her recovery time, Felix attempted to re-negotiate her contract with Nike. She advocated for maternal protection to ensure she wouldn’t be penalized if she didn’t do her very best during her first meet back. Nike refused to include that, offering Felix a 70 percent pay cut. She cut ties with Nike and broke her non-disclosure agreement to tell her story.
Another medal for Allyson Felix pic.twitter.com/vFNrTWWVxQ
— FloTrack (@FloTrack) August 6, 2021
During yesterdays race her win was even more memorable, seeing as she was regulated to Lane 9 due to her results in the semifinals. In this spot, she could not see any of the runners until reaching the homestretch, but she paced herself and, as she rounded the last bend in a face-off with McPherson, she sprinted past to third place. Felix ran past the finish line, collapsing on the ground with a smile and her name in the history books.
I woke up early to witness this. From being afraid of her in high school, to lining up next to her in the Olympics, to running with her on our 4×1 relays…I’m now simply in awe of her. Amazing. @allysonfelix https://t.co/pkgGGY8cfS
advertisement— Tianna T. Bartoletta (@tibartoletta) August 6, 2021
Felix, who plans to continue being. a voice for women and mothers in sport said she has no regrets and is looking forward to the future.
“I feel like I’ve given my all to this sport, and there’s nothing left on this Olympic stage I need to do now,” she said. “And now they’re taking this into the future and it’s in very good hands.”
She’s a runner.
She’s a track star.
She’s a mother.
She’s a wife.
She’s a business owner.
She’s a boss.
She’s an olympian.advertisementAllyson Felix remains the best to ever do it. What an incredible moment. 10th Olympic Medal. #TokyoOlympics https://t.co/R6X9RlBvqx
— Akosua is Summer-ing (@itsafronomics) August 6, 2021
Allyson Felix stopped by to take a pic with her 10th career Olympic medal. Felix and Carl Lewis have the most Olympic medals in U.S. track and field history. #Olympics pic.twitter.com/t3EuOHVclC
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) August 6, 2021
Allyson Felix, 35, now has 10 medals:
◽️ 6 gold
◽️ 3 silver
◽️ 1 bronzeShe is the most decorated female Olympian ever in track and field.
https://t.co/AihW5PtmqQ pic.twitter.com/esKDBvd76G
advertisement— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 6, 2021
Allyson Felix gave birth to a 3.5-pound baby girl eight weeks early via emergency c-section. (I gave birth to a 3.5-pound baby girl eight weeks early via emergency c-section.) Allyson Felix just won an #Olympic medal. Don’t you dare ever count out a woman who fought for her baby.
advertisement— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) August 7, 2021
Don’t know how I’m celebrating Allyson Felix today but it’s definitely happening
advertisement— A Shady Dame From Seville (@SorayaMcDonald) August 7, 2021
The most decorated woman gymnast and woman runner in history — Queens Simone Biles and Allyson Felix. #BlackGirlMagic pic.twitter.com/Sqd0tjrGm5
advertisement— Madam Vice President Harris is GOAT! (@flywithkamala) August 6, 2021
Good morning and Happy Saturday to everyone who is super proud of all of our Team USA athletes in the Olympics, especially Allyson Felix and her 11 medals!
advertisement— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) August 7, 2021
GOLD FOR THE TEAM USA WOMEN’S 4X400!! 3:16.85!@GoSydGo – 49.96@allysonfelix – 49.58
Dalilah Muhammad – 48.97@athiiing – 48.34advertisementAllyson Felix gets her 11th career Olympic medal and surpasses Carl Lewis fo the most by a U.S. track and field athlete! pic.twitter.com/7qHOxA5jVr
— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) August 7, 2021
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We love watching you win!
Photo Credit: David Ramos/Getty Images