Allyson Felix’s old stomping grounds at University of Southern California will be renamed in her honor, USC News reports.
The Olympic sprinter has long ties with USC; being a California native and watching her brother graduate from the university inspired her to follow in his footsteps.
Holding the title of the most decorated athlete in World Athletics Championships history, male or female, the track star decided to hang up her running shoes last year. She received an honorary doctorate from USC and delivered the commencement speech for the graduating class of 2022. This spring, the university will hold a dedication ceremony to rename a field in her honor called the Allyson Felix Field.
“When Allyson and I spoke about naming the field after her, she responded with the grace and humility she has shown throughout her life. The Allyson Felix Field will recognize her immense achievements as a sports legend and Trojan while also showing our admiration for her role as an entrepreneur, advocate, and champion for women,” USC President Carol L. Folt said.
Felix is not only a champion on the track, but a champion for advocacy as well. She uses her platform to create opportunities for women of color in sports, and as a new mom, she also advocates for maternal health. She’s been deemed “the ultimate Trojan.” It’s only right she receives this honor.
“For me to be born and raised in Los Angeles and have such a history at USC, I am just completely humbled,” she said. “It’s such a huge honor to be a part of history in the campus, and it’s such a special place for me…To have discussions about the renaming [of the track] because of my character, my integrity and for fighting for women is something that doesn’t happen,” Felix added.
What a way to recognize and celebrate such an illustrious career!
Photo: Pantene/ USC Photo/Gus Ruelas