American · Los Angeles · Born 18 November 1985American sprinter who became the most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history with 11 Olympic medals, specializing in 200m and 400m events.
Allyson Michelle Felix was born in Los Angeles in 1985 and attended Los Angeles Baptist High School, setting national high school records. She competed at five Olympic Games accumulating 11 medals (7 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze) — the most of any US track and field athlete in Olympic history and the most of any female track athlete worldwide. She won the 200m World Championship gold six times and the 400m twice. Her 2019 World Championships 400m victory — just 10 months after an emergency Caesarean section that saved her daughter Camryn's life following severe pre-eclampsia — was one of sport's great comeback stories. She subsequently testified before the US Congress about protections for pregnant athletes and publicly fought Nike's decision to reduce her pay during pregnancy, creating industry-wide conversations about maternity provisions. She won her final Olympic medal — bronze in the 4×400m mixed relay — at Tokyo 2020 aged 35. She retired after the 2022 World Championships, having won 30 World Championship medals overall. She founded her own shoe company, Saysh, after leaving Nike.
Most decorated female track and field athlete in Olympic history
She is the most decorated US track and field Olympic athlete ever — and became a prominent advocate for pregnant athletes after Nike initially cut her pay during her pregnancy.
Did You Know?How They Played
Versatile sprinter excelling in 200m, 400m and relays
Lasting Impact
Greatest female sprinter of all time with 11 Olympic medals
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 200m 2012
- Olympic Gold 400m 2016, 2020
- Olympic Gold 4x100m 2012
- Olympic Gold 4x400m 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020
- World Champion 200m 2005, 2007, 2009
- World Champion 400m 2015, 2017
- 11 Olympic medals — most by a female track athlete
American Athletes